In a heartwarming testament to the impact a teacher can have, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, now Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, is being hailed by former students as a champion for inclusivity and acceptance. Nearly two decades ago, Walz, then a high school teacher and football coach in rural Minnesota, dedicated his time and energy to help his students create the school's first Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) in 1999.

Jacob Reitan, now an LGBTQ activist and lawyer, fondly recalls Walz and his wife, also a teacher at Mankato West High School, providing vital support during his formative years. Reitan described Walz as goofy and accepting of everyone, emphasizing how both Walz and his wife modeled values of inclusivity and respect for their gay students. He acknowledged that these values not only helped him but also had a profound impact on the bullies, showing them a better path forward. Reitan believes that Walz is the ideal candidate to guide America toward a brighter and more accepting future.

Seth Elliot Meyer, another former GSA member, initially had reservations about Walz due to his role as a football coach and hunter. However, Meyer soon discovered that Walz genuinely cared for every student and sought to ensure their voices were heard. Having struggled with his own identity and facing fear of bullying, Meyer praised Walz for being one of the few teachers who encouraged him to embrace his true self and speak his mind. Now a teacher himself, Meyer serves as an advisor for his current school's GSA, carrying on the supportive legacy fostered by Walz.

Emily Scott also credits Walz with changing the course of her life. During a transformative trip to China organized by Walz, Scott expressed her love for the country and her desire to pursue a future there. Walz set Scott on the path she had envisioned, providing guidance that led her to major in Chinese at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later work in garment manufacturing in China for a decade. Scott describes Walz as someone who pushes individuals beyond their comfort zones, believing that he can do the same for the United States.

Larissa Beck remembers Walz as the teacher who remained engrained in the fabric of her high school experience. She highlights his remarkable ability to remember students even after many years, emphasizing his genuine care and involvement within the school community. Beck affectionately refers to Walz as "Mr. Walz," a title that resonates with her and serves as a reminder of the impact he had on her life.

Walz's support for the LGBTQ community did not end when he left Mankato West High School. Throughout his political career, he has consistently advocated for their rights. Prior to his run for Congress in 2006, Walz discussed same-sex marriage with Reitan's mother, showing his determination to support his gay students. He successfully secured a seat in Congress, becoming a voice for LGBTQ rights at a time when only Massachusetts had legalized same-sex marriage.

Beyond his advocacy for same-sex marriage, Walz also fought against the discriminatory "Don't ask, don't tell" policy in the military, and as governor in 2019, he continued his support for LGBTQ rights by signing bills that protect access to healthcare for transgender individuals and banning conversion therapy.

Walz's inspiring journey from teacher to politician has rekindled connections amongst his former students, prompting them to share their memories of "Mr. Walz." His impact extends beyond Minnesota, as people from different political backgrounds now recognize him as a good-hearted figure poised to bring a positive change to American politics.

As the election approaches, Walz's experiences as an educator and advocate continue to resonate among those who have had the privilege of being his students. Their stories serve as a reminder of the profound influence that a caring and accepting teacher can have on young lives.