School teacher surprised by decades-old student, finally learns the impact she had on their lives

According to a report by The Educator Australia, a US study found that 61% of students never told their favorite teacher how much they meant to them. But Sharhonda, who goes by @lifewiththejeffries on Instagram, isn't one of them. In fact, she, now a teacher herself, decided to visit her school professor, who had actually inspired her to take up teaching. The beautiful video has 1.5 million views since it was shared on February 7, 2025.

Mrs Long, the teacher, had taught Sharhonda back in 1998 when she was in grade 3. However, Sharhonda had never forgotten about Mrs Long, someone she confessed had inspired her on so many levels. So, to honor that very special person, Sharhonda decided to pay a surprise visit to Mrs Long while she was teaching her new students. "Did I teach you?" the teacher asked when she saw her ex-student standing by the door. When Mrs Long came closer, she recognized Sharhonda and pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. "You're going to make me cry," she said, still reeling from the surprise.

"This is Sharhonda, and she's a mommy now, out in the world doing awesome things," Mrs Long said, introducing her to her students. "It's a full circle moment for me," Sharhonda said, recalling attending Mrs Long's class as an eight-year-old. Despite being in contact with Mrs Long, Sharhonda couldn't tell her teacher how big of an impact she had on her life. "This lady here inspired me to be MORE for kids. What inclusion really looked like in a classroom. How to allow students into your life and have it be okay. How to SHOW UP for your students. How to be patient with kids," she confessed.

Echoing the sentiments, @perfectschoolposter said, "Having someone tap you on the shoulder & open your eyes to your individual passions is everything!" @julia_shell248 wrote, "I love that she immediately thought if she taught you, you were definitely special to her!" Someone called @doodlebags, who knew Mrs Long revealed, "This is awesome. Dana is one of my oldest friends whom we still text in our group of high school friends, and I can’t think of any other person who deserves this attention more than her. I’m so glad that she inspired you and that you get to influence future generations of students! Pay it forward, and thank you for sharing this!"

On the other hand, @hadezjorja13 revealed, "My art teacher was the only teacher who inspired me to keep going with my art despite me not having the motivation and time to. Visited her last year, and she nearly broke down; she was showing off my artwork to her newest students (I left three years ago)." @annamariaflorals_ shared, "My favorite professor died. I wish I had known him longer before he went in for chemotherapy. I was so happy to be taught everything he knew, as he had a very nice way to make us want to learn. He was also so kind and happy, smiling and saying hello to everyone every time he met us in the corridors. It’s such a special feeling and such an honor that I got to read a letter to him during his memorial. He was so young, and I hope his family stays strong during this time."

You can follow Sharhonda (@lifewiththejeffries) on Instagram for lifestyle content.