Kim Nowakowski:  

My biggest surprise I hate to admit is succeeding. With the crappy childhood of living as a foster child in a crazy house I never thought about succeeding in life but partying and having fun escaping. I still think fondly of those crazy nights out, even though they mostly ended up with me puking. (I no longer drink or party now because I want my son to see that life can be good without it-- I'll let you know if it works in a few years). Now I am happily married to Steve. We have been together since 1988. I feel really blessed to love my best friend. We have one son together, Kevin who is 12. I also had two step son's, one passed away three years ago. It is still very difficult to think about. My other step son graduated from Manhattan College and is struggling to get a job like everyone else, but managing to live on his own... with just a few calls home for cash donations. I have been working for a Union since 1989 representing support staff employees (food service, secretaries, nurses, custodians)in school districts here on long island. I guess not too surprising since I used to stand up to the bullies for other people. I mostly like my job very much but it can be very stressful and demanding. I was named Regional Director in 1995. I have b...Expand for more