Outward appearances mean everything.

Look at me, chica." When she does, I repeat, "Eres hermosa." "What does it mean?" "You're beautiful.

I've had more students die than I ever thought possible. My husband urges me to quit Fairfield and teach at some school without gang members who live their lives only to die or end up as drug dealers.

And my piece of advice is...don't flirt with any of the female instructors. They all have access to weapons bigger than yours.

When my eyes meet his gaze as we're sitting here staring at each other, time stops. Those eyes are piercing mine, and I can swear at this moment he senses the real me. The one without the attitude, without the facade[...]

I can't sleep. Too many thoughts running through my useless head.

Every time I break out of what is expected of me and do what feels right, I feel stronger.