As long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a scientist--I'm not sure how this idea came about. I do know that I skipped school a lot and can't do arithmetic. But had a wonderful 9th grade algebra teacher who launched me on an academic journey. Indeed, all my high school teachers were terrific. Stopped skipping school--great at solving equations. Interested in too many things-- math, physics, computer science, trained as a high energy physicist. Became tenured, full professor in Forestry. Moved to NASA to study Earth from space--and two years ago started thinking about birds. Picked up a few honors along the way and made a whole lot of friends. Great diaper changer--twin grand daughters. Still can't do arithmetic.