I had a chance last week to meet one of the bravest people I've ever spoken with. Her name is Elizabeth Eckford. And I'll never forget her.

Eckford was one of the Little Rock Nine, a group of black students who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. They had the support of the U.S. Supreme Court, but not their own governor. He called out the National Guard to stop them from going to the school.

Eckford was only 15 years old at the time. She was spat on, yelled at, and physically assaulted. I can't imagine going through that any any age, but to persevere as a teenager just amazes me. Her strength is truly inspirational.

I asked her what kept her from giving up, what kept her from staying home from school instead of putting up with all the abuse. First, she said if the other black students were showing up every day, she felt like she had to as well. But she also acknowledged that she realized that she had to do it for her race. A 15-year-old, self-described shy, passive girl, shouldering the civil rights struggle in America.

I'm fortunate in my line of work to meet a lot of people. Famous people. Interesting people. And yes, inspirational people. But Elizabeth Eckford will always stand out in my mind. Elizabeth, you are an amazing example of strength, grace and courage. America is a much better place because of you and the rest of the Little Rock Nine.