Real-Life Stories

For one year, I taught fifth grade. And one child stole my heart: Alex. As a fifth grader, Alex's grades never exceeded a "D" or "F." He was a consistent discipline problem; however, Alex had a sweet temperament and high energy, albeit a somewhat forlorn disposition....

“Please raise your hand if you understand this concept,” I said, to the college class. Angela cleared her throat loudly. By this time, very comfortable with Angela, I smiled and said, “Okay, Angela, you are excused.”  It was a testament to Angela and her self-effacing...

I confronted a bully at only three years old and ironically, this defining moment, gave me confidence for the rest of my life. I lived in poverty as a child.  I lived in an apartment complex with my family and the other would bring the whole farm with them: pigs,...

January 1, 2020 If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito. - Dalai Lama January 2, 2020 Timing, perseverance, and 10 years of trying will eventually make you look like an overnight success. -Biz Stone January 3, 2020 Reality is...

The problem started pretty early.  Actually, it was sixth grade.  I found a big grocery bag in a locker at school in the PE room.  I knew what it was and I was curious.  So, I emptied out my mom’s cigarettes and put the marijuana in it. But I didn’t get high, so I...

I had been relocated by my company to a new city, half way across the earth….well, Okay, half-way across the U.S.  Within weeks of this expensive upheaval in my life, the company I was working for folded.  I found myself unemployed in a strange new place—no contacts,...