"It feels amazing to be here on the first day of school. I feel better than ever."

And 1rejuvenated not just from the summer break, but from getting a new 2kidney. 

"I really didn't know how bad I felt because it was such a 3gradual 4decline, but even the day after surgery I 5perked up and couldn't believe the difference."

She had the surgery June 1st and her 6donor happens to be a 7fellow teacher, Michael Daneman. 

"I figured this would be a great way to help somebody while I'm still alive and while I can actually see the benefits of it myself." 

Michael teaches computer science and knew Lauren needed a kidney because of a 8genetic 9mutation. He was a 10match and had a deep 11motivation to help. 

"My mom 12passed away when I was five years old. So, I look at her kids and I think they really need her mom and if I can help keep her around for these kids and keep her healthy, I really want to try that. So that was actually a huge part of my decision process."

Both recovered 13in time to return to the school that's been 14rooting for them. And as teachers, they know their experience is 15ripe withlessons for their students. 

"I really hope that they learn that you can be of service to people, and you can give of yourself to help somebody make a better life for themselves."

"I hope they take away kindness, being there for each other, you never giving up, 16persevering through challenges. I hope they take it all."

Life lessons you can't find in a textbook.