LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Sandra DiMarzio (Shappell) was nominated by a friend, Kat Bond.

"I met Sandra 13 years ago when I was struggling with the reality that college algebra might keep me from obtaining my degree. I had failed the class twice and had one last chance to pass so I could graduate. Sandra used to teach College algebra back then, and a friend referred her to me. I did seem to learn better with her teaching style, but I was still looking at a D and feeling hopeless a little over 2/3 of the way through the semester. I sent Sandra an email asking for approval to drop the class. The swift reply I received was that she wanted an in-person meeting to talk with me about it before she would sign anything. I stayed after the next class so we could chat. I explained my chaotic history with math, but I had to pass it, or I couldn't graduate. I was amazed when Sandra concluded our meeting by saying, 'I'm not signing your drop request.' I know my mouth flew open to protest, but she held up her hand and said, 'I'm not signing it because I don't think you're going to flunk out. I'm willing to tutor you myself, and if you're willing to step up and work hard, I'll meet you and match your effort with my own.'

Sandra meant every word. She had written a sticky note with some encouraging phrases: 'Breathe...You got this!' I taped that piece of paper to my laptop, and it stayed there for nine years because I was positive it was magic. I did pass the class, having brought my grade up from a low D to an A!

I was so happy, relieved, and tired; I'm positive I cried. We've kept in touch on occasion over the last 13 years, and my 16-year-old son came to breakfast with us a while back. She, of course, got him talking about math, asking the same or very similar questions to those she asked me so many years ago, trying to uncover his relationship to math. There are several things, now that I've gone out into the world and learned new skills, that stand out very vividly about my memory of our first sit-down meeting.

First, she told me she needed to meet with me in person before approving my request. It said to me that she was engaged with her students and was only signing requests after first attempting to figure out why students submitted them in the first place.

Second was how she chose to sit on the same side of the table as I was instead of sitting across from me with the table between us. At a subconscious level, I felt more like we were on the same level and that she was genuinely curious about my answers. Also, I didn't feel like there was a 'better than' power dynamic between us, which I think having the table between us would have made me feel.

Third was how she offered a solution that was a considerable dip into her own time, set a very clear and profound boundary/expectation, and made it very clear that I was in total control of how it ended up. If I showed up for myself, she would also, and we could do it together, but she would never put in more effort than I was.

Fourth, perhaps the most amazing, is that she followed through with what she had promised.

Fifth was recognizing or even thinking to ask about my testing habits. She realized that the time limit of the length of our class time to get through a test was making me race through the test without putting enough thought into the answer. I did notice that I knew many of the answers already when I wasn't panicking and had a chance to come to the answers independently.

And lastly, her small notes of encouragement, perhaps that's what I remember the clearest because it was a note of her absolute belief that I would be successful, as she was my biggest cheerleader, especially on the days it was harder to remember that for myself.

Watching her so effortlessly start the same 'uncovering' with my son 13 years later only strengthened my belief that Sandra is a total LifeChanger. One of the things I've long admired is that she loved mathematics so much that she was willing to teach in a primarily male-dominated field, consistently make positive impacts in the lives of her students, and also for setting a fantastic example just by being authentic. That's not to say that she hasn't had plenty of reminders that she is the minority in the field of mathematics, yet, despite not always seeing eye to eye with administration or seeming to get passed over for things to her male coworkers, her devotion to her students has never faltered.

Most of us have a teacher wound at some point in our childhoods, where a teacher we might have looked up to said something mean or even careless, that it completely changed our relationship to whatever hadn't been validated. For me, it was math. Sandra changed that old false belief I had, and I never once doubted her belief I could learn enough to pass. She was true to her word and showed up for me as much as I showed up for myself. Through the years, no matter how long passes between visits, her eyes still light up when she talks about her students or ideas she has to engage the newer generations that have grown up in the world of electronics. Sandra is one of the most dedicated teachers I've had the honor to learn from, and her belief that everyone can be successful is apparent daily.

I have never seen her be anything but professional and consistent in how she carries herself and treats herself and others respectfully and genuinely. I would go out on a limb and say Sandra is one of those rare teachers that very few students would or could say that their 'teacher wound' was inflicted by her. She has a way of uncovering and addressing unspoken needs in a way that never leaves someone feeling upset or shamed, but empowered. She finds ways for kids to prove to themselves that they can be successful by giving them the tools they need. This contributes to a positive learning environment and is nurturing and supportive to both students and other staff members. Indeed, she is a one-in-a-few-billion type of educator, and it is an honor to write this nomination to recognize her. I am eternally grateful for her kindness, support, and consistency," said Bond.