David Menasche : I taught 11th grade for 16 years ; teaching was my life and made me happy . Menasche : After being diagnosed with brain cancer , my teaching was my sanctuary . He traveled around the country to reconnect with former students , who grew up kind . I loved watching these 15- and 16-year-olds grapple with their first major life decisions -- future careers , relationships , where to live , which colleges to attend , what to study -- at the same moment they 're learning to drive and getting their first jobs and experimenting with identity and independence . David : To borrow from the great Lou Gehrig , I will die feeling like the luckiest man .
David Menasche : I taught 11th grade for 16 years ; teaching was my life and made me happy . Menasche : After being diagnosed with brain cancer , my teaching was my sanctuary . He traveled around the country to reconnect with former students , who grew up kind . David : To borrow from the great Lou Gehrig , I will die feeling like the luckiest man .