More than ten years ago, Hoda Kotb, the current co-host of Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda and former Dateline NBC correspondent, worked on a year-long project called The Education of Ms. Groves. The project followed Monica Groves, an inexperienced teacher, as she learned to navigate her classroom. With just a few weeks of training from Teach for America, Ms. Groves was thrown into a class of sixth graders. She quickly realized she was in way over her head.

Ms. Groves failed repeatedly as a first-year teacher, struggling to engage her students and meet her personal goals for the kids. But as the year progressed, Ms. Groves turned her teaching style on its head. She became tougher, working with her students until they succeeded. An old story with a topical message, The Education of Ms. Groves is an inspiring piece that highlights the power of passion and determination.

As if her story wasn’t heart-warming enough, NBC Nightly News checked in with Ms. Groves again seven years later to find her happy, thriving and working to help other teachers succeed. #BlackGirlMagic at its best.

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Ms. Groves learned so much from her experiences in the classroom, lessons we can all use for motivation. Watch these videos when you’re feeling down and you’ll definitely be inspired to follow your passions.

On Saturday, May 21st, we’re hosting our inaugural conference about how creativity and technology are changing our daily lives, from our hobbies to our work. Will you be joining us? Tickets here.

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