Actress-turned-humanitarian Somy Ali, who has dedicated her life to advocacy through her non-profit No More Tears, shared a heartfelt message this Teachers’ Day, reflecting on the impact of her greatest mentor, Dr. William Hammock, a statistics professor at Nova Southeastern University.

“Teachers’ Day holds a special place in my heart, a moment to honor those who light the path to our purpose with wisdom and care,” Somy expressed. For her, it isn’t just about academics but about mentors who transform lives by nurturing compassion and courage.

Somy recalled her journey with Dr. Hammock, describing him as more than just a professor. “He became a father figure during a pivotal time in my life,” she said. With his guidance, she excelled academically, earning a 3.8 GPA and the prestigious Student of the Year award. But more importantly, he instilled in her a curiosity for the world by urging her to read The New York Times daily.

One memory that continues to inspire her is the day Dr. Hammock, dressed in his doctoral cap and gown, told her she too could one day earn such an honor. “That moment still fuels my dream of receiving an honorary doctorate for my work with No More Tears,” Somy admitted.

His encouragement pushed her to pursue advanced degrees in psychology, broadcast journalism, and film studies in New York. These academic pursuits shaped her mission to create awareness and provide support for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and mental health struggles.

Somy emphasized the irreplaceable role of mentorship in building resilience and clarity. “A mentor is vital in any career as they offer clarity, challenge limits, and instill resilience. Dr. Hammock’s belief in me gave me the strength to tackle tough issues and build a legacy of change. Without his guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she said.

As Somy continues her journey with No More Tears, she credits her mentor’s influence as a driving force behind her unwavering commitment to advocacy. “Thank you for spotlighting Teachers’ Day,” she concluded. “I’d be honored to share more about how mentorship drives No More Tears’ mission.”