Teacher sent a midnight text and $5 to former student — her reaction shows the value of ‘being seen’

When Trisha Anderson's (@reallytrishh on Instagram) beautiful daughter, Lily, turned 13, she had no idea that Kira Wegner (@kira.wegner), her childhood teacher, would surprise her with something so heartwarming. The teenager was so touched by the sweet gesture that she broke down into tears, clearly reminding us about the profound impact teachers can have on us. The video had gained over 700k views since Anderson posted it on July 19, 2025.

"Want to know the first person that told you happy birthday?" Anderson asked her daughter, and as she nodded, her mommy said it was no one else but her teacher, Miss Wegner. Lily was shocked, possibly because it had been years since Miss Wegner had taught her, but even then she hadn't forgotten her or her birthday. "She sent me a text message at midnight," Anderson said, adding that her teacher had also sent $5 so she could buy herself Starbucks. Lily, the birthday girl, was just overwhelmed hearing her mother, and in that moment, she perhaps realized the positive impact Miss Wegner had on her life.

"Happy birthday, Lily! I miss you, and I still think of you when I hear certain songs and see checkered print," Anderson read out the teacher's heartfelt message, as her daughter broke down, thinking about her lovely teacher. Lily had a tough childhood, especially because she was diagnosed with cancer at a young age. During this difficult time, Miss Wegner was one of the few who stood by Lily and her family as a strong pillar of support. Honoring that, Anderson confessed that she could never forget Miss Wegner. walking her daughter through such a difficult time. "No greater gift than to be loved by a teacher like this, even while turning 13 years old today," she wrote in the caption.

A positive teacher-student relationship is not only essential for the children's academic growth but is also crucial for their overall development. In fact, when researchers Xiuqin Teng, Guirong Liu, and Tingzhu Song surveyed 294 Chinese students, they found that positive teacher-student relationships foster high self-esteem, which eventually leads to kids performing better academically. Meanwhile, reacting to Anderson's beautiful video, @artsyrachyyc said, "I’m 27 and still keeping in touch with some of my teachers. The ones I keep in touch with aren’t just teachers; they’re family and, quite frankly, help raise you. I always think of them like guardian angels, and I remember thinking as a kid, God forbid something happens to everyone I know, I would love for them to be my guardian."

Another user who goes by @mtngrammie on Instagram shared, "I taught for 45 years, and have kept in touch with many of my students through a lot of life passages. I have loved over 4,000 students over the years. I still love them and treasure the memories of the precious people entrusted to me! I have kept many love notes, gifts, drawings, and other items all this time. Such treasures!" Echoing the sentiments, @ruth confessed, "This is beautiful! I found teaching so hard, I left, but I'll never forget any of my pupils; it's a privilege to walk with them through their everyday lives. I bumped into one of them last January. She's in her early 20s now, & I taught her when she was 4. She recognised me 1st, and gave me a massive hug! I often wonder what they are all up to now."

You can follow Trisha Anderson (@reallytrishh) on Instagram for lifestyle content.