To humanize mathematics, I often say, "I teach PEOPLE mathematics," rather than, "I teach mathematics."

Thus, a moment that made me speechless was when my undergraduate and graduate students in my high school methods course hosted a surprise party for me in honor of International Women's Day. The students in the class bought me desserts, flowers, and a book. They told me they did it because I inspired them to be the best mathematics teachers possible. The students' attitude of gratitude and their positive gesture further motivated me to persist and strive to be a model mathematics teacher educator.