It was 46 years ago (1966) today that I stepped into my very own classroom for the first time. I remember it very well.

I had driven across the U.S., sight-seeing for 10 days to get to my destination of Pomona, California, where I was to teach earth science in Fremont Jr. High School (9th grade, actually).

I had never been "out West", certainly not in California. I signed the dotted line without ever seeing the school I was to teach at. I just wanted to get out of Indiana and be on my own. Pretty gutsy, as I look back.

Naturally, I was apprehensive, nervous, and anxious as I faced curious students of different colors--black, brown, and white. I was only 8-9 years older than they were, and much smaller than some of the boys.

Not only was I a beginning teacher, I was teaching a brand new curricula. It was a hands-on lab approach to earth science. I was barely one step ahead of the program each and every day. It was the hardest work I've ever done, and I mean ever.

32 years later, I was still teaching earth science (with many other sciences in between). It's been 14 years since I retired, but I'll never forget my first day and first year in the classroom. I still have dreams about those days.