Edward Leuchs:  

or, I retired from planning to pursue a second career in education. I taught Middle School Social Studies, Geography and World History. However, I learned that here in Florida, public school teachers are treated with disrespect and hostility by our Republican Legislature -- none of whom send their kids to public schools. We are considered to be union members, government workers and "takers," to use Mitt Romney's words. So I took early retirement last year and worked fulltime as a Neighborhood Team Leader for Obama's re-election campaign. It was very satisfying and sweet revenge. Enough said about politics. I have many fond memories of my classmates at Madison High School , who were extremely nice to me during a time when I was going through severe adolescent anxiety. That is the reason why I was so shy. You may recall that I dropped out for one year during my Senior Year. In hindsight, I now realize that I was a teenage suicide risk because i was extremely fearful that I might be gay. I was so depressed I could not get out of bed. But my friends never abandoned me. I do not want to sound corny, but I feel that that my friends helped keep me alive. They lifted me up and told me that I was important to them. Thanks. It would be nice to hear from any of you.