Read the excerpt below. "The person who set the course of my life in the new land I entered as a young war refugee -- who, in fact, nearly dragged me onto the path that would bring all the blessings I've received in America- - was a salty-tongued, no-nonsense schoolteacher named Marjorie Hurd." Based on the excerpt, the mood in Nicholas Gage's "The Teachers Who Changed My Life" can best be described as - hopeful desperate melancholy appreciative

The mood in Nicholas Gage's "The Teachers Who Changed My Life" can best be described as appreciative. The use of phrases like "set the course of my life" and "blessings I've received" reflects a sense of gratitude towards Marjorie Hurd, indicating that the author recognizes the significant role she played in shaping his future in a new land. This appreciation for educators is a recurring theme in literature, often highlighting the profound impact teachers have not just on academic growth but on personal journeys as well. Gage's narrative emphasizes that sometimes, a single mentor can alter one's trajectory in ways that reverberate throughout a lifetime, showcasing the transformative power of education and personal connection.