Mr. Hamer was Brenda's favorite teacher who taught her in 4th grade. He was born in Canada, around 25 years old, and was not married at the time. He worked as an elementary teacher at an international school in Beijing, teaching all subjects. Mr. Hamer came from a family with a homemaker mother, firefighter father, and younger sister who was also a teacher. He was seen as helpful, smart, and encouraging by his student Brenda, helping her adapt to foreigners, understand lessons better, and boosting her confidence.