I feel I am lucky to be in education, because I am interested in many things.  I love teaching, primarily, because I love learning.  I had some amazing teachers in my life who unwittingly inspired me to teach.  I didn’t start on this career path until I was about 30 years old.  I felt then, as I still do (19 years later), that the greatest thing we can do as educators is instill the value of hope.  I believe that a well-rounded education is the most-widely accessible pathway to success. Luck attends those who are prepared to receive it.  Having taught over 500 students, I realize that my job entails one of the greatest responsibilities there is: to deliver the promise of a democratic society: the promise of an education.  I want to nurture a hunger for understanding, because only through understanding do people make good decisions.  We live in an era that requires good decision makers.  My students are my hope for the future.  I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, doing anything else.  I’m so lucky to be working in this field, with these kids, at this time.  I’m about halfway through my career and I’ve come to realize that all communities are interesting, and all times are interesting.  It doesn’t matter if those around you agree.  Seize your opportunities.  This is where learning begins, when our students realize that school can be a gift, an opportunity, a privilege, and a right.  However the students may see it, I am happy to help deliver our society’s promise.