My most influential teacher was my AP Calculus teacher from high school, Mr. Binghi.  I had been going through a lot of turmoil at home and school was sort of a welcome refuge in my life.   

He had a peculiar way of teaching.  It was almost frenetic but it showed his passion and energy for the topic at hand.  I was a willing student.  He made Calculus enjoyable to learn.  

That was his role as a teacher but I’ll never forget his mantra that he taught us quite often.   

“It’s not what happens to you in life that matters.  It’s what you do about it.”

It taught me that bad things happen to you in life but you dont have to be a victim.  You can overcome and still suceed in spite of the circumstances.  It really helped me through the things that we happening at home.  Might have been divinely orchestrated.    Nonetheless, I’m thankful for his presence in my life.