In high school, saying I was out of sorts would have been an understatement. School was complicated for me—not because of the learning, but because of my lack of self-confidence and those few mean-spirited people who made me feel less than I was.

Our school had a video class taught by a man who ran his own production company. Mr. Dench was engaging, intelligent, and genuinely excited to teach. His passion was unlike anything I had experienced from a teacher before.

I know that he shaped who I am today and influenced the career I've pursued for the past 25-plus years. Thank you, Mr. Dench. I hope to have coffee with you someday to thank you in person.