Born into a family of educators, I often feel as if the value of education was somehow included in my genetic makeup, as opposed to being something that I have learned over the years. From the start, I knew education was important and to be taken seriously (and perhaps to be held in awe) because both of my parents worked in educational institutions and talked about educational "stuff" almost every waking moment. My family’s views, attitudes, and values toward education were implicit; yet, my parents did much to ensure that I truly understood this importance. For instance, my parents read to me when I was days old, not years. I learned many concepts early on because my parents spent a great deal of time reading to me and teaching me new things. Both of my parents were voracious readers and were constantly seeking new, inventive ways to do their jobs. Books were abundant in my household and thus, I learned the power of reading at a very early age. I was later placed on the waiting list of the highly desired and competitive college preschool in my hometown. Subsequently, I was enrolled in Sally’s day care, which in actuality, was a child care center tantamount to academic boot camp. I believe growing up in a college town has also impacted me. I always knew I would go to college; it was just understood. In other words, it was never an option. As a child, I frequently attended college functions such as games, plays, guest speakers, and musical programs. Consequently, this allowed me to see the "fun" side of college. Plus, I was never intimidated by the setting because I had been immersed in it all my life. I feel that my friends in grade school and high school influenced me, as well. We all studied, competed with each other, really liked school, and were terribly DRIVEN to get good grades. I will never believe that my parents pressured me to get outstanding grades, though. Instead of my parents, I was the one who put an inordinate amount of pressure on myself to achieve (still do to this day). I feel that a person’s desire, somehow, comes from within. Yet, I suppose the importance of education permeates a household, especially when two teachers live there. I could SEE that my parents valued education when my mom would read aloud a good passage from someone's paper or when my dad would comment about how proud he was of one of his students. Maybe I also learned that they still LIKED the kids who weren't the best students. For as long as I can remember, kids my mom had in class were constantly dropping by our house to say hello and talk. It seemed everyone who had my mom for senior English loved her (I can vouch for this because I’ve had her, too). Even those who didn’t like her could not deny that she was a fabulous teacher. She had the ability to relate the topics she taught to all types of students, not just the overachieving honor students. She was very well-traveled and loved to share her experiences about traveling to the places we read of in class. She was smart, funny, articulate, and LOUD (it was nearly impossible to fall asleep in her class). She loved what she taught and it showed. She cared about her students deeply and taught with an unparalleled exuberance and fervor. My dad grew up in a family with very little money and I believe this factor drove him to achieve even more. He would often tell me that he thought of education as the great equalizer. A number of times he has said, "Public education is truly the backbone of a democratic society." Undoubtedly, my parents’ strong work ethic permeated all facets of my life. My parents valued hard work and work done with the utmost quality. Therefore, these values were inculcated in me and have influenced my thinking and behavior throughout my years of schooling. More than desire and respect for formal education, my parents instilled in me, a love of inquiry and learning. It is for this gift that I will be forever grateful. Clearly, the fact that they’ve both spent their entire careers in public education speaks volumes about their attitudes toward education. I truly am fortunate and blessed to have grown up in the environment I did under the influence of two of the most brilliant lifelong learners I know.