I’m not qualified to—” “I don’t care about a piece of paper,” I interrupted, gently.

“Let me tell you what you are qualified for.

You stood between my children and a cruel, powerful woman who threatened to destroy your entire livelihood, and you did it anyway, again and again, for months, when I was not here and there was no reward for you in it and every reason to simply look away.

You showed more integrity, and more courage, and more genuine love for this family than anyone I have ever hired in my life.

No degree teaches that.