I also fantasize about being resued when I was younger. I wish someone had taken the time to illustrate what abuse was/is. For years I had a marraige that was abusive and had no clue.

I also became a teacher after several different but associated career paths. Beside the fun of sharing my love of science with others I also feel a large part of my job is listening to my students talk about their lives. I try to model appropriate and respectful behavior to them both of good emotions and bad. Unfortunately, several students of mine have experienced abuse first had or witnessed it within their households. I also keep a sharp eye out for my students and address my concerns when I have them.

When I was in third grade and being severely abused, hiding it, and avoiding it I would purposely miss the bus to clean my teachers chalk board. Those afternoons sponging off her boards and helping clean the classroom were the best moments of refuge I ever had. They warm my heart to just reflect on them. If I can do that for someone or even break the cycle with intervention that to me would be success. I know - I have made a difference to many teenagers, preventing a suicide; safe removal from a home with daily beatings by a drunk father; listening to teenage "drama" and giving positive advice, then all my years of teaching and personal suffering in my past has some meaning and purpose in the grand scheme of things.

Today, I think my choices have been a personal mission but not unhealthy. I've helped many and to my knowledge have hurt none. Have there been some I couldn't reach or help - absolutely, but the many outweigh the few.