Family support is always beneficial for performers. Just want to take time in the middle of a hectic, frustrating week to acknowledge my grandparents. They always encouraged me to be true to myself, so here I am, trying to make a living as an opera singer. I had been teaching, following in my mother's footsteps, but it never seemed like the right fit. I don't care how many people tell me that I'm a wonderful teacher, I just don't feel like myself when I have to teach full time. Small groups, ok. Private music students - great. But public school - not for me. I respect too many people in the profession and care about the kids too much to be up in front of a class on a full time basis without my whole heart in it. Now opera outreach is another story entirely. Put me in front of a large group of kids telling a story, and I feel alive. Well, Grandpa Palmer always says; "It's not work if you enjoy it."