Who was your most influential teacher? Why?

In high school I had a wonderful orchestra teacher that really inspired me to excel & to practice on my cello. I had one other teacher that inspired me was an English teacher. He told me that I was talented & was good at writing.

They both influenced me in different ways, but both had a positive impact. Since I was deemed “disabled” because I couldn’t do math they placed me in the “disability” room in high school. Where I was a cash cow for the community I lived in.

Although I was multilingual & always did my homework they placed me with a verbally abusive special education teacher. I dreaded going to school everyday because of her behavior.

Hence, when I had orchestra & English I excelled in the classroom probably because the teachers gave me respect & the ability to express myself without being condemned for it. I’m grateful to them to this day for showing me that I can do anything I put my mind to.

What do you wish you could do more of every day?

I really appreciate my husband making me coffee in the morning. We can plan out our day & figure out what we’re eating or if we’re going out. The dog often joins us on the couch & the 3 of us hang out.

I like morning coffee during the week & coffee after we’ve gone for a hike or a walk. Just spending that time together is something I really appreciate. To be in the moment in the morning with my husband. I dare say it’s better than the $5 coffee I have out.

I feel that when we have morning coffee it’s like a blank sheet of paper & we can draw or argue or discuss whatever is on our minds. On the weekends we draw it out until we get hungry or the errands & chores we had to do that day catches up with us.

I’d like more time for coffee.

What is one word that describes you?

I have been kind most of my adult life, there was a time in my 20’s that I was bitchy & short with people. Something I regret tremendously as I missed out on some good people because of it.

In my 30’s I learned to be calmer & more content with who I am. I learned to listen & to always thank people for being kind to me. I have been less stressed & kinder as I’m nearing 50. I am no longer as trusting of people as I was when I was younger.

Kind means you care for people but you don’t put up with people that aren’t kind back. I have learned that I’m not into people that are no longer genuine with me, or take my kindness for granted.

Kindness is treating people with respect but having boundaries. You don’t get walked on or used but you maintain your boundaries. That’s who I am now.