Notable Student Success Stories Blog Series KATE BENDRICK Math teacher Kate Bendrick shares what happened when one of her students believed that “math is a skill, not a talent.” MICHELLE KOZA English teacher Michelle Koza remembers how with Beekman’s help a student overcame his biggest barriers to being a creative writer. VANILLA RODRIGUEZ Science teacher Vanilla Macias-Rodriguez reveals how inspiring “average” students to aim high helped them reach their full potential. LINLI CHIN Math and science teacher Linli Chin shares how Beekman’s small classes and close teacher-student connections helped a student outplay her insecurity and become an accomplished writer. IAN RUSTEN History teacher Ian Rusten recalls how teachers’ individual attention guided a student in overcoming her shyness and finding her voice in the classroom.