I feel you. When I was finishing up my high school schooling there was one teacher who actually made an impact on me. We never really communicated until she learned that I was doing exceptionally well at community college and on my way to UCLA. At which point she started to invite me back to the high school to speak to the students about paths they can take and how being in remedial classes doesn't prevent you from doing well post-high school (I was in the learning disabled group/classes partly due to crippling anxiety/depression, part I didn't give a fuck and part misdiagnosis) So, being able to relate to others who might be in my situation and/or similar and to encourage them to do better for themselves post-high school was super empowering. I felt so sad when she retired and those speaking occasions were no longer held. Sucked majorly.