LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Laura Lampshire was nominated by a student.

"I sat there crying outside the classroom because I couldn't tell time on a clock. I stood around the table, confused as to why my 3rd-grade math teacher was cutting a tortilla in all directions and trying to teach us fractions. I never understood any of it, and if I did, it always took me longer than the other kids," said the student.

"Math has always been my hardest subject and a class I have dreaded going to since I can remember. I was subjected to different teachers every year who all had individual teaching styles that I had no control over. Most students are not allowed to pick their teachers or switch to a different class, which, in my eyes, just sets kids up for failure."

"During my sophomore year at Arrowhead High School, I was lucky enough to have Mrs. Lampshire as my advanced algebra teacher. I went into that math class for the first time, thinking it would be like any other math teacher I had had, and I would be stuck struggling for another year. But it was different. It was finally an environment where I felt comfortable and supported."

"Despite Mrs. Lampshire having a life outside of teaching, she always came in with a welcoming personality. You would never know if something was happening in her life because she never showed it. She was never mean or angry towards our class and taught with such care as I've never experienced before."

"Towards the end of the year, it was a struggle. My motivation had diminished, and I just wanted school to be over with. Mrs. Lampshire encouraged me to keep going and always helped me finish my work even when I didn't feel like doing it. She let us pick our partners, where we wanted to sit, and do activities that allowed us to get up and move around. After sitting at the same desks all day, it was nice coming into a homey classroom."

"I will never forget when I worked at the wellness center for my med terms class last year. I was walking around the south campus during the four-minute break with my friend when I heard my name being called faintly. I heard it again and came to realize that it was Mrs. Lampshire. She came around the corner, hugged me, and asked me how my junior year was going. At that moment, it was just as easy to talk to her as the year before, and a shock of joy came over me."

"Mrs. Lampshire will be remembered for her caring personality, kindness, and understanding of her students. I was so happy she remembered me. She was the first teacher who made me feel confident in math. I will never forget her and the moments that made me who I am today. Thank you, Mrs. Lampshire," said the student.