LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Tim Tower was nominated by two anonymous students.

On their first day of junior year at Arrowhead Union High School, one student walked into Mr. Tower's room, unaware of how much their life would change. Right from the beginning, Mr. Tower was a fun and energetic person. His room was filled with happiness, and you could tell he was at school not just because he had to be but because he loved it and wanted to make a difference in kids' lives.

Despite Mr. Tower's quirks, like being obsessed with Harambe and wearing his tie-dyed "RIP Harambe" shirt or his full-body banana suit, he made an effort to get to know each and every one of his students.

In the first semester of their junior year, this student took Mr. Tower's sociology course only because they needed to fill more credits in their schedule. They had no interest in sociology but heard it was an easy class and just wanted to pass. Whenever the student was in Mr. Tower's room, they felt comfortable in being themselves. Mr. Tower had created a safe space for the student without realizing it.

One day, after finishing a quiz, the student started talking to Mr. Tower. They were dating another student in Mr. Tower's class but faced some issues. This student told Mr. Tower everything that had happened, and the whole class contributed to making a pros and cons list of dating the boy they were with. Mr. Tower was engaged in the list and told the student, "You need to raise your standards." Those words have stuck with the student since.

"It is one thing for your parents or friends to tell you that you are better off without someone, but it's another thing for your favorite teacher to tell you. I broke up with the boy that night," said the student.

Before their last year at Arrowhead, this student already had nine credits in social studies, which exceeded the requirement of six. Yet, they still chose to take Mr. Tower's full-year course called Western Civilization, along with other classes, bringing them up to 13 social studies credits.
The student had always had trouble staying in friend groups due to dealing with anxiety and depression, so when the second semester brought a falling out with their friends, it wasn't surprising. They were anxious to come to school and see them and didn't have anywhere to sit at lunch anymore. Without even thinking about it, the student emailed Mr. Tower on Friday, told him the situation, and asked if he had a fifth-hour class so they could come to eat lunch in his room. He replied over the weekend and said he did have a class in the fifth hour but could ask around with other teachers to see if there was any other place the student could go to. He said he was sorry for their situation.

"I have never had a teacher truly care about me the way Mr. Tower has, and I will be forever grateful for him," said the student.
 
In another student's junior year at Arrowhead High School, they entered their first-hour Sociology class uncertain about what lay ahead with their teachers. Their teacher, Mr. Tower, warmly greeted them as they walked into the room. Remembering their brother's endorsement, "You have to get classes with Mr. Tower; he's the best," the student felt reassured about their choice.

After that initial hour, this student recognized Mr. Tower as one of their favorite teachers.

"When learning in his class, I can tell he genuinely cares about my learning. He makes everything a fun learning experience and understands that not everyone is perfect," they noted.

Mr. Tower maintained an upbeat demeanor throughout the class and was always prepared to teach. The student appreciated his habit of starting each class with updates on worldwide events, explaining, "Although he doesn't need to do that, he thinks it's important for everyone to know what's currently happening in the world."

Mr. Tower's engagement with students and ability to connect with everyone individually stood out to the student. Having been in his class for two years, they had developed a comfortable rapport and could exchange jokes. The student believed that getting to know students personally was a trait every teacher should strive for and eagerly anticipated being in Mr. Tower's class every day.

Outside of school, the student noticed Mr. Tower's commitment to his role as a parent of two children, though he rarely discussed his family. They observed clues around the classroom and his computer background that indicated he was a dedicated father.

The student found it easy to converse with Mr. Tower during class, treating him like a friend. They recounted a time when they sought clarification on a research topic. Mr. Tower explained it thoroughly and ensured they understood the subject, even though it wasn't part of his curriculum.

Stepping into Mr. Tower's class transformed the student's mood on days when they lacked motivation or felt off. They felt comfortable being themselves in his classroom, where he consistently demonstrated care, passion, and a positive attitude. This student expressed their gratitude, saying, "Thank you for being a great teacher and mentor, Mr. Tower."