This will be my first year in a classroom. I have worked for School Nutrition for the last 17 years, of which I have spent the last 11 years as an Elementary School Cafeteria Manager. So, after many years of debate, I decided it was time to return to school for my teaching degree. With the support of my family, I started at my local community college (Mitchell CC). There I earned my Associate's degree in Early Education before moving to East Carolina University for my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I have always enjoyed working with young children and wish to have a greater impact in their academic lives and success. I have had the opportunity to work with some great teachers that have encouraged me to become an educator.  Their examples have helped me to understand which qualities I hope to cultivate in my relationships with my students.