This essay discusses the importance of respect and how it can impact self-esteem. Respect, or the lack thereof, from important people in one's life such as friends, mentors, or teachers can significantly influence how we feel about ourselves. The essay describes an experience where a teacher who had previously encouraged the author abruptly dismissed their response in a way that damaged their self-esteem. This experience taught the author about the power that respect, or disrespect, from others can have.