Some teachers, whose actions often speak louder than words, are exceptional people. They can do both lend a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on, if need be, or become professional stand up comedians with their witty remarks when an opportunity arises.

Usually, it’s teachers like these that can really make a difference; and who are remembered years–sometimes even decades—after one graduates from school.

A survey commissioned by Staples and conducted by OnePoll found that out of the 2,000 surveyed Americans, more than four-in-five said that a teacher has made a meaningful impact on their lives, The New York Post reports.

According to said survey, as much as 77% of respondents had a favorite teacher; and the former students admitted owing a lot to them. That’s because the educators’ care wouldn’t end once the kids stepped out of the classroom – some teachers would go as far as to call their student to check in after a hard day at school or stay late to help them with homework, which shows just how much they actually care.

OnePoll’s survey found that the things that teachers seemingly influenced the most were their students’ personal values and morals, as well as their level of education. That’s why it might come as no surprise that just shy of a third of respondents owed their college choice and major choice to a past teacher.

The survey revealed that even though they had an impactful teacher, some people never got around to thanking them; and they wish they did. But quite a few of respondents—close to three-quarters, if you’re wondering—noted that they keep in touch with a past teacher (and thanks to modern technology, it’s now more easier than ever), so, it’s likely that they still have a chance to say a heartfelt “thank you” in the future.

Discussing The Psychology of Teaching in a piece for Psychology Today, a leading American cultural historian, Lawrence R. Samuel emphasized that for a teacher, few things feel better than making a difference. According to him, teachers who really love their job wouldn't trade places with the richest person in the world.

“The knowledge that they are making the world a slightly better place by making young people a little wiser each day is more satisfying than the emotional rewards from being, say, an investment banker,” Samuel wrote.

According to some sources, a teacher impacts roughly 3,000 students in the span of their career, which is definitely a number large enough to make a difference; even if only in their school or their area.

“Great teachers have understood that while imparting knowledge is important, setting students’ moral compass is the higher goal, as it elevates the lives of individuals and society as a whole,” Lawrence R. Samuel wrote. And indeed, quite often it’s the teacher who was a positive influence in more than just the academic field that the students tend to remember with great fondness the most.

If you’ve enjoyed these student-teacher interactions, continue next to browse these memes that will make you laugh while teachers cry, these instances of teachers hilariously trolling their students, or these hilarious things found in textbooks for more similar content.