I grew up in Narragansett RI till I turned 18. My family did not have much money but we did have each other. I was the oldest of five children, did chores and took care of my siblings. I started working when I was 11 years old babysitting, and having a paper route. By the age of 13, I worked busing tables in a restaurant and moved on to waiting tables by an age of 15. I payed room and board to my parents till I was 18 years old. I did not have much money for college so choose to enlist in the Army for 3 yrs. as a medic and EMT which was a good experience. I met my 1st husband in the Army, moved to MI after my honorable discharge and enrolled in a community college. During this time I had two wonderful children but my husband left when my youngest was 11 months. At this point life was an enormous struggle and very overwhelming. Luckily, I got aid from my local church for food, babysitting, and emotional support while finishing an Associates in Science/Chemistry. After which I moved back to RI, entered a 4 yr. State College (URI). I was on housing subsidy, WICK, worked two part time jobs in addition to all the responsibilities of a single mother while going to school. With the help of Stafford Grants, VA benefits, and school loans I graduated Magnum Cum Laud from the University of Rhode Island highly qualified in Biology and Chemistry for my teaching certifications. It took over 2 years to gain a teaching position at an urban ring high school. During this time, I worked two jobs (1 with special needs + waiting on tables on the weekends). Presently, I have taught chemistry for 28 years (all levels to include students with learning supports in a collaborative setting). I also have taught the second year chemistry elective for 26 years and presently my students can earn 4 college credits at a local state college. Furthermore, while teaching full time I have earned a Masters in Arts majoring in Education with concentrations in Biology and Chemistry. However, during my journey through life, it was a strong work ethic, self-motivation, a strong drive to meet goals that spurred me on. Knowing that if I earned a college education the statistics indicated a high correlation that my children would also. Both my children have earned bachelor’s degrees, and are teachers. Presently, my daughter is working full time teaching biology and general science while enrolled in a Master’s program. I am so very proud of my children and their accomplishments. Mind you nothing ever came easy, but putting the effort towards and meeting goals was in itself my reward. Hopefully, I am passing the torch on to my students, that with dedication, hard work, and focus on their goals they will shine like the superstars they can be. I have indicated to my students that they need to be like “Little Toot” the train that could, motivating themselves on their journey through life letting nothing holding them back. In conclusion, I have earned my American Dream doing what I love to do, teach students to love to learn, believe in themselves, and be willing to put in the effort to achieve their American Dream. It is my belief that “All” our children are the future of our country.