No plan survives first contact, Charming told me while I changed a flat tire in church heels. Now I'm on a Venice balcony at midnight, seven Disney-nicknamed students asleep, learning that the best Italy moments happen when plans fall apart.
Education & Advocacy
When Students Stand on Desks: A Teacher’s Dead Poets Society Moment
My last day of school ended with students standing on their desks calling me 'O Captain, My Captain.' Sometimes the greatest lessons happen when you least expect them.
True Beauty vs. Outward Appearance: A Teacher’s Heart for Her Students
When I see a stunning student using her beauty to manipulate rather than succeed, I'm reminded that real beauty comes from within. Here's why character matters more than appearance—for students and for myself.
Lost in Toledo Streets, I Found My Tribe: Why Childless Teachers Make the Best Tour Leaders
Chris jumped into my selfie in Plaza Mayor before I knew his name. Hours later on hotel stairs, this veteran tour leader showed me why not having kids at home means I can give my students the world—starting with Italy in seven months.
From Legendary Dreams to Ordinary Love: What My Yearbook Theme Taught Me
Designing a 'Legendary' yearbook theme forced me to face the truth: I used to chase fame and renown. Now I just want a life worth living with the man I love.
My Students Asked About Heroes—Then Life Gave Me One Who Wasn’t Superman
A year ago, I named him Charming in this blog. My sophomores were studying archetypes, and I was certain I wasn't a damsel in distress. Turns out, the best heroes don't wear capes—they help you finish your own quest before starting a new story together.
Teaching Plot Structure While My Biological Clock Screams—How Sophomores Saved My Story
Babies surrounded us at church, and I cried through the sermon. But teaching short story elements to sophomores, I found my climax on the chalkboard: dozens of notes saying 'I love you' from last year's kids. Sometimes your students teach you how your own story resolves.
Catching Pokémon in Dark Parks at Midnight—Why This Teacher ‘Gets’ Her Students
I sat behind Rapunzel and Snow White at the football game, camera in one hand, Pokémon Go in the other. At midnight, I was creeping into empty playgrounds to battle gyms. I finally understood: teenagers and I share the same quest—we're all trying to level up without knowing the endgame.
Pokémon Go Taught This Teacher More Than Her Students: How to See Who’s Really There
I resisted until Charming showed me lures by the Alexandria waterfront. Suddenly I was talking to strangers, finding connections everywhere. Now facing 60 new sophomores, I realize: my classroom needs to be the best PokéStop ever—where kids catch exactly what they need to evolve.
Why I Don’t Want Summer to End (And What God Taught Me About Letting Go)
As a teacher, I know I have to give up my heart to 120 new students. Here's what my nieces and a street preacher taught me about trusting the faces you can't see yet.
Writer's Growth 