It is true, that if I had the talent and I was afforded the opportunity to play center-fielder for my beloved Pittsburgh Pirates, which was my team of allegiance when growing up, as the Washington Nationals did not exist then, I would not be in the position of Middle School Teacher here at TMS today, as I adore baseball for the innocence of play, the camaraderie of team sport, and the overall depth of love empowerment baseball gives.  

“Field of Dreams” set aside, when I go to a baseball game these days at Nationals Park, in the year 2022, and I am sitting in a crunched aisle seat that is over-priced, eating a hot dog that is average at best, while washing it down with .50 cents worth of Coca-Cola priced at $9.00… all proceeds to pay for salaries that are ridiculously super inflated, I know in my heart, as I watch those magnificent athletes, that I may not have a contract worth millions, or any celebrity status that goes with it, but I have a job, that beyond a shadow of a doubt, day in & day out,  is priceless. I have more pride for my profession, and more pride in my peers, not to mention a depth of pride for all valued students… past & present, that transcends time; it’s eternal.   

I started teaching some 19 years ago, a career changer dissatisfied with a path less giving. The experience I have from those 19 years, I carry in my heart and soul just as if I was wearing 19 championship rings molded in 24 karat gold & covered in diamonds.  

It is an absolute honor to know your children, every single one of them, and to be part of their daily lives, for the brief time we have with them. I wouldn’t trade the last 15 years, including the last 3 years teaching here at TMS, for anything (except maybe being a professional golfer with Tiger Woods-type skills😊).

It’s going to be a great school year!