My "kids"

When my students ask me if I have any children, I usually reply "Yes, 106." I love being a teacher. As a child, I played teacher in the classroom my mom created for me in the hallway. My classroom had two desks and a chalkboard. I taught real students and imaginary ones. During college, I was accepted into our education program, but never officially enrolled because I didn't want to take the extra year needed to finish my degree (do I ever wish I had spent that extra year. I ended up taking three years later on to earn a teaching certificate).

During college, my focus was always on education and kids, so I decided I needed to try something new after graduation. My two best friends and I headed off to San Diego where I took a job at La Jolla Playhouse, a regional theater for performing arts. After about six months, I was forced to listen to my heart when I realized I spent much of my non-work time tutoring two Korean brothers, babysitting my boss' kids, reading at a community center and teaching English to a recent immigrant.

Since then, I have worked with girls in the juvenile justice system, been an AmeriCorps volunteer in a charter school in Chicago, taught emotionally impaired students in Detroit and now I teach Texas Studies to 7th graders. My students have given me purpose on some of my hardest days. And they have served as a distraction during this wait. Planning lessons, arranging field trips and attending sporting events keeps me busy. Thanks kids!

This is my co-worker Carli and me at the Girls' City Volleyball Championship this year. (We won!)

Entering Week #20