We make each other laugh, talk seriously about our experiences, laugh some more and drink delicious wines. In other words, having your neighbors as friends does much to expand the concept of creating a family of friends and community. We sit down on the sofa with glasses in hand and pour over the photos she brought. She recalls names and faces. Regrettably few names come to my mind. OK, that was a lifetime ago but some students are just like sunshine and remain memorable forever. Ours is a tight bond.
You can no longer take students out of the classroom for "field trips" like end of the year pool party here. Liability, cultural insanity and All. I left public education at a good point while I still loved the students and respected my colleagues. My opinion of the administrators had left me cold. It was at a time, when being an incompetent, male teacher meant being promoted-up the chain of command to the administration. Despite the fact that 90% of the faculty were women, it was still a "boys club". No wonder education came under fire.
The deterioration of the public school system had begun. I wanted no part of being around as it crumbled. So acting upon the good advice of my teacher friends, I took the risk of leaving education for sales. Risks take courage and a leap of faith. Sales was the route to business and onto a career. It was as if our generation, those women coming to maturity in the 70's and early 80's, were called to break down the gender barriers for all women across a number of domains. Our younger sisters and succeeding generations of women are the beneficiaries. That would include some of you, dear readers.
Breaking down barriers seems to be something I'm called to do. Thankfully, there are co-conspirators.
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