Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series of five stories in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.

For the past two years of my high school career, Mrs. Dena Lichterman has played a huge role in my life. From helping me write a college-level research paper, to helping me apply to colleges and writing my letter of recommendation, and teaching me about homelessness and violence, Mrs. Lichterman has been nothing but a great role model and mentor. I truly envy her gracious character; she’s the kind of teacher I wish every student at Niles West has at least once throughout their high school careers.

She’s taught me the most valuable lessons all within a classroom setting. Some of my best memories in high school took place in her classroom. Every time there’s an issue my Lit of Peace class wants to solve, she always questions us by saying, “So what are you going to do about it?” A phrase so simple that carries so much meaning. I’ve also learned that selflessness is a necessity and that putting someone before you or even a simple, “hello,” and eye contact with the homeless man sitting on the curb can stop the spreading of dehumanizing people. If I could do high school all over again, I would do everything the same. Mrs. Lichterman has instilled in me some of the most greatest lessons that I’ll be able to pass on to my children, and for that I cannot thank her enough.

“She is the conscience of the English Department. We have been colleagues for 16 years now and I am constantly impressed by the depth of her compassion and commitment to her students and to the world. Her whole philosophy of life is based around social justice, given the nature of this school, this is where she belongs,” friend and fellow colleague Michael Conroy said.

I hope the students at Niles West who will have her as a teacher will appreciate her and realize that teachers like Mrs. Lichterman don’t get paid extra to care for their students, or go the extra mile and ask them how their day is going. When you find a teacher like that, appreciate them. They are one of a kind and they leave an imprint on your life, thank you Mrs. Lichterman for all of your courageous work, I can only hope that when I’m an adult I can be half the person you are.