I learned to handle the demands of the job well. My performance was steady and reliable. I showed up, didn’t leave early, didn’t take sick days I didn’t need, and I kept the complaining to a minimum. When a hard situation landed in my lap, like the incident in my classroom, I stayed calm, followed the reporting steps to the principal and the Ministry of Children and Families, and focused on doing the right thing. I also kept the class moving by thinking creatively in the shower each morning and building activities that helped kids see progress and enjoy learning.