It goes a long to show just how insecure Emma has always been. This is the woman who while good looking never thought of herself as beautiful. first using her powers to augment her looks before earning enough to have surgery.
She loved her students but expressed that love like an over protective parent (think the witch from Into the Woods) because she sure as hell didnt get any from her father.
she has grown as a character, but still thinks of herself as nothing, she plays the part of the White Queen, but feels like a fool.
all in all excellent issue, parts of the end seemed a bit corny, but i can overlook that very easily.