Always a teacher

Christmas 1954, Marseilles, Illinois. I always wanted to be a teacher. When I was this small, television was practically brand-new. One of my favorite shows was Ding Dong School with Miss Frances. Other favorites were Howdy Doody and The Micky Mouse Club.

With a December birthday, I started kindergarten at four and first grade at five. I could read before I even went to school. My dad would read me the Sunday funnies when he was home. Playing school was one of my favorite games throughout childhood.

I never really considered any other career.