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.”

She has made adaptive choices since childhood, using her mouth, lips, and tongue to open, write, and maneuver her way through life.

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

Mom was in jail and I was a drop-out. My greatest struggle was about to be my greatest triumph. I was only 16 and for the second time,