In this article, the author reflects on his career as he turned fifty years old. He looks back on the most significant influences upon his professional life. This includes identifying the people who had the greatest influence on his teaching. This perspective not only serves as a reflection on the people and ideas that have influenced his teaching but also as an overdue thank you. In rough chronological order, the author presents some of the people who have influenced his teaching and their specific contributions. (Contains 17 footnotes.)