Relationships are key in educating high school students. Students resent, as they see it, the traditional subject/authoritarian classroom dynamic because they are at an age where they crave being understood as an individual and being treated like an adult. Meaningful relationships transcend said dynamic. Through continuous, genuine conversations, both parties get to understand the person, not the title. Meaningful relationships positively affect education as the teacher understands the strengths and interests of students and students are more receptive to the classroom as they feel respected, safe and understood.