I have watched, listened, and examined the Ted Talk, "Every Kid Needs a Champion" by Rita Pierson, at least 50 times.

It may be the nerdy teacher in me, but I like to evaluate every piece of information the seasoned educator with a doctoral degree has to offer.

The core message Pierson offers is the crafting of relationships is key to success in not only the classroom, but in any child's life.

This message can be taken further than the four brick walls of the schoolhouse. Relationships are all around us, and they are critical to the way we operate in our daily lives.

In the opening...