The decade

2000: Became an Academic and Social Activities Coordinator of a dorm, meaning I got an apartment rent-free. Got my Bachelor's Degree. Began exercising.

2001: Student taught in Lansing, realized I found my calling not only as a teacher but also as a teacher in an urban school. Lost 40 pounds, started exercising every day. Made a lifelong friend in my mentor teacher. Threw a dart in a map and moved to Baltimore.

2002: Wound up first year of teaching. We were on the block schedule so I got a fresh group of kids the second semester. Second semester went way more smoothly than first semester, and I was asked back.

2003: Was in great shape, made great friends, one of best years of my life. Got down to 195 pounds.

2004: Double retina detachment gave me some permanent vision loss and pretty major eye surgery. But I'm better now. Went to Italy the summer. Became head varsity baseball coach at my school.

2005: Horrible credit card debt. Got a second job. Worked my ass off.

2006: Worked so hard. Rough year.

2007: Turned 30. Things started looking up.

2008: Quit second job. Awarded grant through NEH to study Shakespeare at Teaching Shakespeare Institute in DC for the summer. Got my Master's Degree.

2009: Became a homeowner for the first time. Bought a new car. Got to teach a cool new class.