When someone asks you, “What was your favorite class in school?” the answer is often directly correlated with the person who taught the course.

Regardless of the subject matter — even the topics you may have dreaded most — an engaged instructor with whom you create a special bond can make all the difference in the world.

The same kind of feeling can be associated with our nurses. When you reflect upon the times spent in the hospital or at the doctor’s office, even in the midst of a family crisis, a nurse can help turn the experience into a more positive moment.

Our teachers and nurses are often the unsung heroes of our communities. They unselfishly attend to the needs of our most vulnerable populations, our children, the sick, and the elderly.

The second week of May is set aside as both National Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week, designating a time to say a special thank you for the tireless work they do.

Of course, our teachers and nurses deserve recognition year-round, but this week offers an opportunity to give specific attention to their service.

As Malala Yousafzai, an advocate for girls’ education from Pakistan once said, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.”

Our teachers have an immeasurable amount of influence on our children, guiding them through life and helping them find their passion and their calling. A teacher can hand a child a pen, giving them the power to voice their opinions and effect change, giving them the confidence to go out into the world and become true leaders.

Our teachers help prepare our future generations for success, making Ohio and the world a better place.

On that note, our nurses certainly make the world a better place, aiding in the health of each and every citizen. If you or someone you know has ever been rushed to the hospital in an emergency, you understand just how frightening that experience can be.

In the chaos and fear, your nurse is a calming presence, ensuring you or your loved one get the care needed. Through the long days and odd hours, our nurses never falter, truly giving of themselves to tend to our most fundamental needs.

Each time you have an interaction with one of these public servants, whether it’s your child’s kindergarten teacher or while signing in at your next doctor’s appointment, make sure to thank them for the service they provide to not only individual Ohioans, but our society as a whole.

This week is a special time to support the work they do, but I encourage you to do more for our teachers and nurses every day.

Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger represents the 91st District, which includes Clinton County.