Thank you sooooo much for that.  I do have students who come to me privately all the time and tell me that they decided to follow a dream because of something they learned in my class.  That is so gratifying and it is exactly why I do this work.  I really want to live up to my potential in that field so I can continue to do good work.  It's easy to become fearful and try to "fit in" so you don't get in trouble and so that everyone will "like you".  OH PUHLEEZ, did I just say that?

 Anyway, I finally realize I will always have a percentage of students who hate me no matter what I do.  Hell, I used to hate my teachers for no reason! So I just have to be my personal best and use my position in a way that I can feel good about.