Hi everyone,

As I mentioned in my introductory email, I'm starting a new job
(countdown -- 2 days to go!) at our local community college. That
brought back some memories that made me smile.

When I was 17 & getting ready to fly out of the "nest" to college; my
father suggested that I should consider teaching as a career. Well, I
being 17 & all-knowing, didn't want any part of it. I wanted to be a
graphic artist. And that is what I did. I spent over 37 years of my
life in that field.

But now I found myself at a turning point in my life. I was "burned
out" as they say - just couldn't create on demand anymore - at least
not enjoying doing it. So I decided, after several years of part-time
jobs doing this & that, that it was time to find something that
touched my soul. I found myself in situations throughout my adult
life, as my children were growing up & till now, where I was teaching!
I was enjoying it immensely & so when the job at our college was
posted in the newspaper, it jumped out at me & sent a thrill down my
spine & I knew this is what I wanted to do.

I applied & eventually was offered the position & throughout this
time, I kept hearing my father's voice - "You should go into teaching,
what better job can there be? You work 9 months, have the summers off
& get paid for a whole year!"

My father was a difficult man when he was alive. He was strict, stern
& often unforgiving & harsh. He knew what he knew & that was that. I
never entertained the thought of defying him - if I knew what was good
for me! (My older sister tried & there was many a horrible,
frightening scene that left an imprint on my mind permanently). But
for some reason, he didn't insist that I become a teacher, tho he was
sure that it was the best thing for me. Instead, he allowed me to make
my own choice for my future without making me feel guilty.

Well, here I am today - thinking how I've come around to his way of
thinking - & thinking that if he were alive, he would be proud of me &
he wouldn't say "I told you so!" Yes, that