Her 6th Grade Teacher Wrote 'Invite Me To Your Harvard Graduation' - 21 Years Later, She Did Just That

May 26, 2018

In the sixth grade, Christin Gilmer received a note from her teacher that read "invite me to your Harvard graduation."

21 years later, she did just that.

At the end of the school year in 1997, Judith Toensing wrote a note on Gilmer's report card: "It has been a joy to have you in class. Keep up the good work! Invite me to your Harvard graduation!."

Gilmer, who is now 33, kept the message all these years.

This week, Gilmer graduated from Harvard as a doctor of public health.

"It meant a lot to me to know that outside my mom, someone who knew me so intimately believed in my dreams and my ability to accomplish them," Gilmer told CNN.

Gilmer said that she pursued public health because Toensing always encouraged her students to think of ways to help others.

"She lit a fire in me that helping people is a powerful tool, and through education, you can better serve populations in need. I will never forget her passion for others," Gilmer added.