A moment that would eventually impact millions of people worldwide occurred in a quiet classroom on what seemed to be a typical school day. With a guitar in hand, a professor stood in front of her students to share a little of her heart rather than to instruct or test them.

As a reminder of the beauty that may occur when teachers dare to interact with their pupils outside of the textbook, what began as a quiet strum of well-known chords abruptly became a worldwide sensation.

Desks, notebooks, and a whiteboard behind her made up the basic setup. However, when she began to sing the first bars of Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself,” the atmosphere changed. There was that breathless silence that occurs when people realize they are witnessing something extraordinary. Warm and sincere, her voice floated slowly through the room.

Gradually, her students started to follow along as she continued. A few people tapped the tables. Others joined in on the chorus. A classroom had been turned into a concert of connection rather than chaos. The air was filled with music, laughter, and the sound of unity.

It wasn’t practiced. It wasn’t the best. In all other respects, however, it was authentic.

She could have gone on to explain music theory or chord structures for an hour. Rather, she imparted to them a more profound lesson: joy, expressiveness, and vulnerability. She was more than a professor in that moment; she was a reminder that great teachers do more than just teach.

By choosing a well-known song like “Love Yourself,” she was able to meet her students where they were. It started out as a song about letting go of negativity and valuing oneself, but it eventually became a message. When it was delivered in front of a room full of young people who were still growing and asking questions, it meant everything.

Since its covert release on YouTube, the movie has amassed over 36 million views. Words like “chills,” “tears,” and “hope” flooded the comment section from viewers worldwide. Music lovers, current students, and retired teachers all saw something special in that video: an unvarnished and sincere moment of human connection.

It has nothing to do with celebrity. Emotion was the main factor. Millions of people were reminded by a simple act of singing that, in a time when the world seems divided, unity can begin in the classroom.

We tend to undervalue the influence that teachers possess. They have an impact on futures through their actions as much as their words. Instead of only adhering to the lesson plans and deadlines, one professor chose to give her students an experience they would never forget.

She reminded them that learning music is not the only thing that music is. It is a worthwhile endeavor. It’s how we communicate, celebrate, and deal with life.

Isn’t it ultimately the most significant lesson learned?

Watch this video if you’ve ever questioned the value of creativity in the classroom. Let it serve as a reminder that amazing things may happen even in the most unlikely places.