My family made me who I am today, take it or leave it.

Lately I have been getting a lot of flack from some of the higher up people in the program regarding 'my look', 'my character' and 'my lifestyle'. It sucks that I am being judged by people who have met me a small handful of times who feel they are qualified to give my professional co-workers a "warning" about me before I even meet them. What is all this fancy talk about the importance of first impressions if I already come with a 'warning label'.

And for that matter, who the hell cares if I don't fit the mold of the typical sweater-wearing elementary school teacher? I am respectful, responsible and appropriate in the professional world. I have had different experiences that will allow me to be more open minded and better able to help students that may fall through the cracks of a 'typical' classroom. This is my family and a large part of who I am today. Without my family I would not be here today. I would not care to make a difference and I would not have the passion to be a teacher. So to that one particular person (*cough cough* Jon Howilier *cough*), fuck off. Or for the kid's, "He is a meany pants and made me feel sad!"