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In Part 2 of my conversation with former choir teacher Brad Heckler, we continue the conversation about his 29 years in education and the experiences that shaped him both professionally and personally.

Brad shares some of the students who left the biggest impact on him, including stories of students who were struggling with bullying, difficult home situations, mental health challenges, and finding their place in the world. We talk about the importance of teachers being more than instructors and how sometimes simply providing a safe person or safe place can make a lasting difference in a young person's life.

We also discuss the changing role of technology in education, the challenges teachers faced with phones and social media, and Brad's thoughts on how technology has changed the way young people interact with one another.

After retirement, Brad found himself starting a completely different chapter through his house-cleaning business. We talk about independence, finding purpose outside of your career, building positive relationships, starting over in a new community, and learning to embrace change.

Finally, Brad shares some advice for anyone who may be struggling with their own path: keep going when things get difficult, don't be afraid to ask questions, and understand that failure can be one of life's greatest teachers.

A conversation about teaching, friendship, change, resilience, and the people who sometimes don't realize just how much of an impact they've had on someone else's life.