Such a beautiful thread with mostly serious, intelligent and helpful comments. MyTake, your little speech to yourself and your future husband sent chills down my spine. Teachers should share your idea with their students. You were makriv a real korban to Hashem. What a zechus. Same goes for DRB and others. Hashem sees our daily struggles and will reward us immeasurably.
P.S. Mods, I appreciate your work behind the scenes to keep this thread on such a high level. Kol hakavod, the zechus is yours too.