I had an art teacher who's the reason I got there in high school

Sela Ward once recalled with gratitude: “I had an art teacher who's the reason I got there in high school, who encouraged me to go to Alabama. That's where she had gone and kept raving over their art department.” These words, though simple, carry the timeless truth of influence—the power of a teacher to shape the path of a life. For within this memory lies not only the story of a young woman guided toward her future, but also the deeper lesson that none of us walk alone. We are lifted by the voices of those who believe in us, and often, one voice can change the direction of destiny.

The meaning of this quote is found in the recognition of guidance. Ward does not claim she reached success through ambition alone. Instead, she acknowledges the hand of her teacher, who offered encouragement at a decisive moment. This is the humility of wisdom: to know that greatness is never achieved in isolation, but through the seeds planted by others. To remember those who guided us is to honor the chain of influence that stretches through generations.

The origin of these words lies in Ward’s own story, as a young student with talent and potential, yet in need of direction. It was her teacher, not fortune or chance, who opened her eyes to possibilities beyond her small world. That teacher, speaking with passion of the art department she loved, became the bridge that carried Ward into higher learning, and eventually into her celebrated career. Here we see the power of enthusiasm, for the teacher’s own love became the spark that lit the flame in another.

History gives us many echoes of this truth. Consider Plato, who became the student of Socrates. Plato might have remained another citizen of Athens, but the encouragement and questioning of his teacher drew him into philosophy. From Plato came Aristotle, and from Aristotle came Alexander the Great—a chain of influence stretching from the classroom to the shaping of empires. In each case, a teacher’s encouragement set in motion events far beyond what could be imagined. Ward’s story is another link in this eternal pattern: the quiet words of a teacher rippling outward into the world.

This memory also speaks to the power of encouragement itself. Words spoken in belief are not light or fleeting—they can become the foundation of an entire life. A young student may doubt her own gifts, yet the voice of a teacher can silence that doubt and replace it with confidence. Ward remembers not only the place she was guided to, but also the passion in her teacher’s voice. That passion was a beacon, proving that the fire of conviction in one soul can ignite courage in another.

The lesson is clear: never underestimate the influence you have upon others, especially when you encourage them in their gifts. If you are a teacher, your words may open paths your students never dared to tread. If you are a friend, your belief may restore hope when all seems lost. If you are a parent, your encouragement may become the compass by which your children navigate their futures. Greatness does not grow in isolation; it is nurtured by the faith of others.

Practically, let us follow this wisdom. Encourage those around you. Speak words of faith, especially to the young, the uncertain, the overlooked. Share your own passions, for your joy may become another’s direction. And if you are guided by another, remember them, honor them, and in turn, pass forward the encouragement you once received.

So let Sela Ward’s recollection be remembered not as a casual note of gratitude, but as a teaching for all generations: that the teacher, by simple words of encouragement, can change the fate of a student; that the gift of guidance is the seed of destiny; and that every one of us, through encouragement, may help another soul find the path toward its fullest light.