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When Tiana Gilbert was teaching middle schoolers at Roberts Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, she became close with four students in particular. Though she has since moved away from Ohio, she’s remained close with the students. So when the time came for her four former students to graduate from Depaul Cristo Rey High School, Gilbert took a 21-hundred-mile road trip to surprise them on the big day.
She hasn’t just been a cheerleader for the four students, but has actively helped them navigate the unique challenges over the years since she was their teacher. All four of the students will be going to college, a first in their respective families for each of them. And Gilbert was instrumental in that process, helping them apply to schools and writing letters of recommendation.
The special relationship that she has with her former students is held mutually. One of the four, Micah Beiser, will be attending Xavier University in the fall and credits Gilbert with helping him to live authentically, saying, "She told me to be myself and don't change for anybody.” Gilbert was there for each of them at the most important times in their lives so far and doesn’t plan to stop, promising “to be at the next one with them."
Source: WCPO