In sixth grade, I was singing in a talent show and the head of the doll - who was supposed to sing for - fell off in the middle of my performance. Even though I didn't process it until many years later, that moment defined me. Initially, I thought about leaving the stage and crying, but I decided the show must go on and sang through the bursts of laughter that followed the traumatic moment when the doll's head rolled into the island Kindergarten children in front. row. I share this story because it reminds me that if I can face this moment of adversity as a little child, I can face anything. It reminds me that our actions say a lot about who we are and what we believe. And really, it's funny. I have to laugh at myself...and let my students laugh at me too from time to time.