It was the first day of graduate school and I was thrown into the classroom. I loved it. I get to deal with all ages everyday.

I want the kids to have their own opinions and be able to support it. They need to think critically. If all you teach them is to regurgitate, it will not help them in life.

My family did not talk about college. No one went to college. I was the first one to go and the first one to graduate. It was something that was not talked about or thought of. I was kicked out at 16 and worked two jobs. I had a few teachers that were encouraging to me. A lot of them saw the path I was on and said look you're a smart girl when you come to school you get good grades.

He fills a big void in our classroom. He reminds the student that without a high school diploma or GED, you're stuck. When you're educated, you have different options.

An old student of Miss Brown's came to the classroom to tell them what happens if they aren't in school. He said that he was in and out of jail and homeless, and pretty much that you have to stay in school.

When they enter seventh grade, they are dispersed throughout the school so that there are mentors in every classroom.