My 6th grade English teacher, Mrs. DiGiacamo, was one of my favorite teachers ever. Her class was a bit of organized chaos but she set it up so that we each got individual help when we needed it and those of us who worked faster, always had something fun/educational to work on while we waited. We memorized poems and climbed up the bookcases and she truly instilled in us the power of knowledge. I gave her a call one year when I was home for Christmas from Colombia. At first it seemed odd to call her out of the blue, but I know she appreciated the call. "Funny how I always hear from the troublemakers," she said with a laugh. (are you surprised?)

Shocking as it may seem, this is my 11th year as a teacher. I've taught some serious little shits, but I've also taught some people I now proudly call my friends.

Maybe it's because I teach middle school, which is usually the most awkward time in your life, or maybe it's because I've now been teaching long enough for them to come into their own, but lately I've completely enjoyed hearing from old students, and checking out where they are and what they're doing. Every one is totally different, but every one is fascinating. It's quite exciting to know that some of them are on their way to really making a difference. And it's comforting to know they made it through adolescence without too many scars.

You're all right, kiddo.

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