Taree McGee is retired now but for many years of her life taught English at various high schools in Illinois. McGee also happens to be Lern’s favorite teacher of all time for a multitude of reasons. First meeting in 1999, McGee noticed Lern in class as a student with the phrase, ‘I have issues’ written on the backside of her palm. Quickly with wit -- ‘Ms. McGee’ at the time – said to her, ‘Don’t we all?’ It was in this small moment that a student felt accepted and understood. This led to Lern looking forward to English class and then eventually, McGee’s journalism class, too. After high school, the two kept in touch and have transformed the student-teacher relationship to a family-like friendship in the 20 years of knowing each other. As you will hear in this episode, McGee is unapologetically herself and a fierce female lead in her own life. She is a mother, student, tour guide, former teacher, world traveler and empath. Taree McGee undoubtedly embodies what it means to live life to the fullest and never stop learning as you go. This episode captures the special way teachers can have profound effects on their students – some even lasting an entire lifetime. It will, hopefully, allow you to reflect on your favorite teachers – both in class, and of the world, who have influenced you greatly.