Full Circle: When Your Fourth Grade Teacher Becomes Your College Professor

In this heartwarming episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese brings you a story that truly defines a full-circle moment. When Bob Waters logged in for his first teacher prep course at Rio Salado College, he discovered something unexpected: his instructor was none other than his fourth-grade teacher, Julie Ferin. Julie, now an Instructional Services Director and long-time educator, vividly remembered Bob — a once-anxious child who found comfort in her classroom. Now, decades later, he’s on the path to becoming an educator himself through Rio’s post-baccalaureate program. Together, they reflect on their shared past, the evolution of education, and how compassion, empathy, and connection remain at the heart of great teaching. From classroom memories to future aspirations, this episode is a moving celebration of educators' lasting impact.