I decided to go to Latin America because many of my students in Washington emigrated from this region and inspired me to learn more about their home countries.

My first cat was named Cowboy, after the Dallas Cowboys.

I hope that I serve by being a teacher.

I don't think of myself as a policy expert. I think education is the most important thing.

I don't think I'm portrayed in the media the way I really am - but then who is?

I didn't go to Latin America thinking, 'I'm gonna write a book. This is what I'm gonna do.' I went there to work for UNICEF and to learn.

I was sports editor for my high school newspaper, but I think I shied away from journalism.