6th grade- Miss Brooks- I finally knew I had new things to learn. She encouraged me to soar, even if I had to do it alone.1985 Los Angeles- 7 years teaching experience, thought I was “all that” – I landed in South Central- Slauson and Vermont- middle school- learned all that wasn’t anything- I learned more in that time than all the years of learning and teaching put together I don’t know who learned more- me, or the kids I taught- but it was tough love for all of us- and I think we all learned, and learned to love.