After college I joined the Peace Corps. I voluntered for 3 1/2 years in a coffee cooperative in the highlands of Guatemala. I trained people in many different things and was succesful in my projects. At the end of my service I married a Mayan princess. Back stateside I wanted a job that would give me time to spend with my wife who couldn't yet speak English and enough vacation time to visit Guatemala. I realized the "training" I done in the PC was really teaching. I tried it, and still love it.

My Dumbledore's army moment. The book banners came for me. I teach college level AP & IB Literature, and we read diverse and challenging texts. A parent complained and, after much debate, one of our books was banned. My students protested at school. I watched and cried as many went to a school board meeting and passionately defended me, my practices, and the book that had been so important to them. The district committee reviewed the book and reversed the decision. The freedom to read matters.

My house flooded in September by Hurricane Helene. Without flood insurance, we are rebuilding ourselves with help from some organizations and even my school community; many have come to my house to help. Some money would go to disaster related expenses. But, as being a teacher would win me the $$, I would put some of it toward a celebration I give my students on AP Exam day: they would appreciate a pre-battle gourmet meal before, dressed up as Gandalf, I send them off to fight the dragon.