I think I have a responsibility to pass on what I have been given so generously by my teachers and community. And, if every now and then I really help a child, then I have been truly blessed. Traditionally, we would have studied the character's evolving role as a woman and stopped there. The students' reactions have given me a complete new lease on my career. My ideas are spurred by theirs, and vice versa.
Every year brings a brand new group of children and a whole new set of dynamics.
That fuels my passion. I love it when former students come back and thank me for caring, listening and helping them find their way, and when they tell me that I made a difference. After 29 years, I still love teaching. First and foremost, it's the kids. Each one is unique and I like getting to know them as people.