I spend my day with kids who are hormonally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, socially, and personally excited! They are excited about life in a joyful way that is possible only when so much of life is so new.

They quibble, argue, sit in rapt attention, squibble like itchy frogs, bound through the class like a cannonball express, light up with joy, tumult into depths of despair, never shut up, never stop asking questions, and never stop soaking up life like a plant soaking up sunshine.

They are disruly, inept, brave, shy, disorganized, spaced out, curious, defiant, difficult, bold, aware, gifted, maleable, devious, spurious, engaging, quick to smile and quick to laugh.

They are mirrors who reflect back the energy I put out, and they are a source of what make life fun, engaging, challenging, and joyful.

They are 13 year old 8th graders.

Most people offer me their sympathy when I tell them what I do. I just smile because I have done other jobs and none infused life and spirit into my soul in the way teaching these 8th graders has. And none was as directly and as clearly meaningful; nothing else ever allowed me to have as much impact on making this a better world to live in.

Winning the lottery would only mean that I drive a nicer car to work each morning and travel more during vacations. You couldn't pay me enough money to stop.

July, 1997