Right there with ya. After my parents divorced, we kids stayed with mom. A few nights in the shelters did happen over the years. However, the focus was always on school, patience, treating others with respect, hard work, and having fun (games, puzzles, books, sports, creativity - like occupying ourselves for 3-6 hours with nothing more than a tennis ball and a curb, etc etc etc). Since I left teaching, I’ve been happily “overpaid” for quite some time. Somehow, I don’t recall once getting any steps ahead because I was white. They were mostly from hard work, talking to the right people, making wise educational choices after that first liberal arts degree, and some good fortune (thank You again, Lord).
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
My mom was a natural teacher and I think I got a bit of that gift from her. And through the Lord I will channel that gift.
You clearly have the gift and I am sure you lift up your students in fact and in spirit :)
The greatest gift of all. And thank you for sharing your gift.
PS: When I retire in a few years I really want to be a teacher.