There's a lot of orientation that has to be done, because school nursing is a unique discipline.

One parent of a diabetic eighth-grader told me she's thinking of transferring to a school system that has nurses (in high school), because she's worried there won't be anyone to help monitor her child's condition.

They're on a clerical pay scale, and Hall County does not take into account past experience when determining salary. Everyone gets paid the same. We had one nurse with 30 years' experience who took a job with Gwinnett County because they offered her $6,000 more.

It'll take some discipline, but I'm willing to give it a try. I know high school is setting the foundation for college and I want to get off on the right foot. I can't learn what I need to learn if I'm dozing off in class.

I've kind of blocked it out, but a good friend affectionately reminded me that yes, I was a dork. I was not a cool kid in high school.

If I do have kids, I can't wait because I'm excited to go back to school to help them with their homework and remember how to do simple math. I think it's about staying curious and not losing the sense of wonder.