The responsibility of teachers

Something dawned on me (again) the other day and I thought I need to write this down so I don't keep forgetting/remembering. I'm the only Anatomy/Physiology and AP Biology teacher at my school. What if a student has a negative experience in my class that turns them off to science? What if some trivial personal issue arises between us and the student tunes me out or drops my class? What a loss to society. As teachers we have an opportunity to shape minds that will improve the world, or shut that mind down to a subject it once loved. What a burden and yet a great opportunity to shape the future in a positive way.
I need to remind myself that even on my worst day I may be a student's best hope for surviving the day. I need to look for the positive in every student, no matter how that student is behaving towards me. Put aside the ego, be that positive role model, and try to avoid becoming negative. And when I do.....recognize my mistake, apologize, and do better next time.
I wonder how many students left my class hurt, not caring for science, self esteem damaged by an off the cuff comment. Do better.