Having completed my associate degree, I sat on my bed gazing at my diploma, which bore my name and degree in elegant script. Little did I know that my journey to a four-year university was about to commence.

At the beginning of the 20th century, corporations began to erect monumental skyscrapers to associate their business with progress and success. This would be true of Hartford’s first skyscrapers as well, along with some controversy and consternation.

In 1955 residents of Puerto Rico began coming to Windham looking for a better way of life. Word started spreading of plentiful job opportunities in Willimantic, a city that merged with Windham in the 1980s. Some came directly from Puerto Rico, while others moved from other parts of Connecticut and New York. Memories are strong.

Responsible Tech is already a viable career path for those from many different educational backgrounds: those with traditional tech degrees, but also those with academic backgrounds.

What happened, the murder of my youngest son, was not something I could control. What happened after? That was my choice. Instead of succumbing to my grief, I chose to channel my sadness, anger, and love into preventing others from sharing my experience. My life’s mission became about creating a safer, better future for young people.

Throughout my 31 years with the New London Fire Department, I saw numerous brother firefighters diagnosed with cancer. For all of them, it was a death sentence. Connecticut is one of only two states without presumptive cancer legislation for firefighters.

I loved regaling my students with stories about abolitionists such as John Brown, who was born in Torrington, Connecticut, and Harriet Beecher Stowe, who lived in Guilford. There were many other stories waiting to be told and shared.

The  pediatric behavioral health system has been under-resourced for many years and more work is  needed to ensure that children and families are able to access behavioral health services when  and where they need it.

Legislation now being considered at the State Capitol recognizes the need to address the educator shortage in Connecticut and to ensure that we are striving to recruit and retain excellent educators. In doing so, it will generate momentum that will enhance the teaching profession in our state.