What was an interesting previous job before teaching?

I had several previous jobs. I spent one summer working on a seed farm.

What was it like? 

Among the tasks I had on the seed farm were: (1) I had to walk rows of corn and pull off tassels from the tops of corn. This prevented certain types of undesirable fertilization and pollination. (2) A co-worker and I would man a loader. We would fill either 60-lb or 80-lb bags of seed and then load them 8 rows high onto pallets.

Do you have any memorable stories to tell about it?

Occasionally, I would get a turn at cleaning out a corn silo. Remember, this was a summer job. On a hot day in July, I would put on a full-body canvas “suit” (long-sleeved, long pants), boots, a mask, and protective eyewear. I would descend from the top into the corn silo with a vacuum. It would be empty of corn. ” All that was there was dust and debris. I would have to vacuum the silo and make sure the seams of the structure were clean. The silo became an oven. It was hot work! You had to be careful. Another worker would keep an eye on you to make sure you were okay while you performed this task. I would finish the cleaning and emerge from the silo soaking wet with sweat, a few pounds lighter, and THIRSTY!

How was that job different from teaching?

I enjoyed working on a seed farm. I learned a lot. I do not think I would have liked to have done that for my whole life. My Dad offered: “If it is something you don’t like, work hard, study harder, and find the thing you like more or love.” I landed on teaching.