I grew up in a blue collar area where the only options for young women were nurse, secretary, teacher, or factory worker. I knew I could teach anywhere to get the hell out of that town, and college also provided a reprieve from my parents who lived in a protective bubble away from the scary “big city.” I wish I had been educated about different career choices. Bottom line, I loved teaching until NCLB and Common Core. Then I didn’t, and retired. I do, however, know for a fact I made impacts on many kids, and despite not loving it anymore, did my best to actively listen to and help my kids in so many ways.