My highschool geography/criminology teacher. He'd routinely make us discuss current events in class, and really make us analyse the points we brought up. It really helped guide me into making my own opinions rather than just accepting things at face value.

Shout-out to great teachers. Thanks Mr. Robin!

My former boss and his boss. They took a chance on me based on my enthusiasm, and got me started in my 'dream' role. But ultimately they were both just coworkers, and I haven't kept up contact (I did meet my boss' boss after leaving, for lunch at a conference, once) after I left that company.

I’m a better person than I was in the past because the bully is gone and I am no longer mirroring that toxicity. I’m still seemingly permanently tainted by it but the level is much reduced since cutting ties.

Had I never been bullied, I’d definitely be a better person than I am now.