My later mother told me there'd be days
like this. She taught high school and was accosted, in a good way, by
former students until her dying day. In any case, I just received an
email  that went something like this:

"Dear Paul – You were an inspiring teacher for my son, at a time when
he wasn't paying too much attention to school. He is now 22, a very
thoughtful adult, and studying at Cal State.  So first of all
– Thank you! You showed him the world outside Moraga – which intriqued,
comforted, and inspired him. You were a BIG part of why he made it
through those tough years. Thanks for ALL you do!"

This
must be why I'm in it; it certainly isn't for the money; I took a 75%
pay cut when I left journalism for teaching. And I've never (well,
hardly ever) regretted it. For more than a minute or two