As my username suggests, I am a drama teacher. This is my fourth year teaching in a small, rural high school. My favorite compliment from my students is always "Why are you teaching HERE?" That's why. I had a teacher we said the same thing to. I love all my students, but I am especially dedicated to the handful who get left behind by a school system where much more attention is given to liabilities than to assets. The smart kids are all too often expected to make it on their own.

Yes, I'm pretty idealistic. I'm a teacher first, and a theatre person second. I mainly chose theatre because I was excited to take the courses and it gives me the freedom to teach just about anything I want with minimal interference. This way I stay away from the politics while still having a powerful influence.

Other than being a teacher, I am the oldest of eight children, with the next four all being married in the temple with children here or on the way. I am thankful for the technological advances that allow us to stay close even as we have scattered across the time zones.

The best thing about being a teacher is having the summers off. I have tried to use them profitably, driving all over the country, camping and researching my family history. My mom is a convert, so there is much to be done. Yes, I walk graveyards for fun.

I also love to read, whether it be OSC, looking for selections for the oral interp kids I coach, or nonfiction, particularly that which analyzes our society and the effects of technology on culture.

I also really like email. It makes me happy to have discussions about things through the written word. I'm a lot less shy when I write than when I speak.