This teacher's written belief in her student reaps benefits - at Harvard

Back in 1997, Judith Toensing wrote on the report card of one of her sixth-grade students: "It has been a joy to have you in class. Keep up the good work! Invite me to your Harvard graduation!" 

Twenty-one years later, Christin Gilmer did just that.

Now 33, Gilmer kept the note all these years, touched that someone aside from her own mother could believe so strongly in her dreams and her abilities. So when she graduated with a doctorate in public health from Harvard last week, she invited Ms. Toensing to attend.

In fact, Gilmer personally delivered the invitation to Ms. Toensing, who describes her reaction as "flabbergasted and humbled." What's more, Harvard Dean Michelle Williams got wind of the invitation. In her commencement speech, Dean Williams thanked Toensing by name, as well as all public school teachers. She said, "You don’t just teach young people. You inspire them, and you propel them along a path of fulfillment and service to others. Your work is what makes our work possible. Thank you for everything you do, and please keep sending students our way!"

Gilmer believes Toensing also influenced her chosen field. "She lit a fire in me that helping people is a powerful tool, and through education, you can better serve populations in need."