My first year as a DA, I visited a former friend’s church in Boston.  The senior pastor whom I had never met before asked me what I did for a living.  When I told him, he says “You don’t make a lot of money do you?”  (Ok, true, paralegals at big firms were probably paid the same or more).  Stunned, I keep quiet, thinking I did not hear him correctly.  He repeats the statement.  I mumble something about doing it to serve.  He then says it for the third time.  Back then, I was more gracious (unbelievably), so I walk away.  On another occasion, an elder remarks I must enjoy having a sugar mama.  Insulting.  Humiliating.  With Christian leaders like this, I’ve considered converting several times.  Also, ever notice how many church leaders are rich or successful?  When was the last time you saw a blue collar worker in a leadership role?

I’m glad I took the path I did, but should have considered the teaching / advising path more seriously earlier.  I just looked at my peers with nice cars, big houses, adulation.  I didn’t even care much for those things – it was more about the unfairness more than anything.  I’m human.  I did write a ditty for the boy I would sing at work to the amusement of colleagues – “I’m gonna be rich, I’m gonna be powerful” and a few additional lines on women and wine (not serious, just a homage to Led Zeppelin).

Anyway, my favorite teacher lived out the plot of Mr. Holland’s Opus where a music teacher realizes at the end of his career the great impact he had on others.  I used to cringe at that ending, not what I wanted.  Now rethinking that.  That may very well be the winner.

I still sing that ditty.