Education

One relation, who, sadly, was mowed down by a rich shit in a pricey sports car, had just retired after nearly four decades working in what the politicians charmingly call "underserved" schools. Every year she spent a good chunk of her salary on basic classroom needs--pencils, pens, paper, art supplies, etc. She went above and beyond, too, helping families with basic needs like clothing and food as well (she gave away her dining room set to a family that had no table to eat at, or a place for the children to do homework--that's the type of person she was--she said "Hell, I usually eat in the living room off the coffee table, anyway!).

I have a several in my family who work in public schools with special needs kids, too. They have more patience than I do, I couldn't do that work, I don't think....and it seems like every other year, the "funding" is threatened. They have little job security. To have to do such a stressful job and have the constant worry that your job will be 'cut' or you'll be saddled with a "Do More With Less" mandate is infuriating.