Not many people can take pride in spending three years in first grade. I know I would not, and truth be known, it really is nothing to brag about. Yet it was those three years in first grade that led to my success in life. I am sitting here at my HP computer, thinking; life has been good. I retired from teaching after 40 years, 20 years in special education and 20 years in regular education. I hold an Education Specialist degree in reading. I am married for over 50 years to the most understanding woman I could ever wish for and am the proud father of a very successful daughter. Oh yes, I have grandchildren, and a great son-in-law. Yet my path to that success did not come easy, as I had many struggles and setbacks.
I was known as Laz all through school. Spent three years in first grade, drove to school in ninth grade and barely graduated from high school. I started my career as a carpenter apprentice, dropped out at the end of my second year, and at the suggestion of a friend and with the help of my high school counselor Mrs. Smith, I enrolled in college and graduated as a special education teacher. I retired in retired in 2013. I currently live in Michigan with my wife and a large collection of elephants.