Overcoming challenges and finding unique ways of looking at situations has been a hallmark of my career in education.I spent more than 10 years in the public school system, as a substitute teacher and special education paraprofessional. During that time, I learned many creative ways of helping students at all skill levels. Interestingly, I found that special education and regular education students needed the same things from me: time, patience, and my understanding for their unique needs. A