Working at a preschool for two weeks stretched the limits of my
             patience, but it also turned out to be a lot more fun than I expected. Each
             day was full of surprises, ranging from slapstick mischief to amazing
             breakthroughs in the children's learning power. The kids' energy levels
             raised my own, and I felt a curious mixture of exhaustion and elation upon
             leaving the parking lot each day. I don't think I would choose this as a
             long-term profession, but as a short-term gig it was a memorable,
             educational, and messy experience. Each day I dressed carefully because I
             knew the potential risk of getting filthy when playing with kids. In fact,
             on my first day I changed my clothes about three times before deciding upon
             an outfit that was sufficiently comfortable and easily washable. I fully
             expected to be fingered with finger paints and doused with dirt from the
             playground at unexpected moments and in unexpected places. I donned jeans
             or shorts and an old tee-shirt each day, preferably dark colors.
             I drove to the school every day and parked in their small, six-spot
             lot. I often arrived as some of the parents dropped off their wee ones and
             placed them in our care. As a preschool, we served a dual purpose: day care
             and preschool education. The children would be playing freely but also
             learning about numbers, the alphabet, colors, and anything else. Most of
             the parents were in too much of a hurry to chat, but occasionally a
             friendly mother or a father would strike up a conversation before leaving.
             I relished those moments because it enabled me to understand their
             offspring better as well as glean what kinds of expectations the parents
             had of our school. I realized that the parents basically wanted their kids
             to feel comfortable and safe and also to make new friends.
             When children are between the ages of three and five, their
             personalities begin to shine through. One little gir...