Loved this story, Steffany! I always enjoy hearing about a teacher's impact, and words of wisdom that don't initially seem wise.

In graduate school, I had a (sort of) similar experience. I asked a clinical supervisor for specific treatment advice with a complicated case. I wanted him to tell me step by step what to do and instead he said, "Stop polishing your star and hang it up for the world to see."

I was dumbfounded. I wanted treatment advice, not some obscure message about trusting myself. Of course, now I realize how truly valuable that advice was, and I have used it a time or two with students myself. Sometimes it takes awhile to truly hear a life changing message.

I'm happy you are back to writing now. : )