1/23 UPDATE: If you haven't seen the Humans of New York interviews with Principal Nadia Lopez at Mott Hall Bridges Academy in Brooklyn, visit HONY now. Readers of the site also went out of their way to donate more than $350,000 to the school. With so much demoralizing education news out there, it's wonderful to see such an inspiring story. 

From to time to time, students and teachers have found their way on to the front page of “Humans Of New York” and shared insightful experiences and personal opinions. The responses they allow to be promoted publicly are illuminating to their peers and to the wider audience of the popular photoblog.

"Humans of New York" (abbreviated HONY)  is a photoblog created by photographer Brandon Stanton. The project began as a catalog of 10,000 citizens in New York City, where Stanton takes a casual snapshot and asks them questions about their lives. It has since grown to have over 8 million social media followers, and to inspire a large number of similar projects in cities around the world. The blog provides brief insight into the lives of strangers, and is a powerful and poignant portrait of one of the greatest cities in the world.

When shared on Facebook, many of the HONY posts receive more than 200,000 likes and more than 5,000 comments. While possibly some educators yearn for the visibility provided by HONY, many humbly go about their work without fanfare or any publicity.

Here’s what some educators and students in NYC had to say to Stanton:

• "I’m a retired school principal. More than anything else, I wanted my students to understand just how big the world is." See full post. 
   
• "My favorite teacher is Miss Middleton. She’s really nice. ... And if you’re having trouble with your homework, Miss Middleton lets you call her." See full post. 
   
• “I want to be a first grade teacher because I know a lot about first grade and second grade is kinda harder and you have to count with bigger numbers.” See full post.
   

• "What’s your greatest struggle as a teacher?" "I worry a lot about the kids." See the full post.
   
• "Who would you say has influenced you most in your life?" "My 7th grade math teacher, Mr. Tejada." See the full post.
  
   

Can you identify with these educators or students? Share your own story in the comments below.

Compiled by Samantha DiMauro, Education World Contributor