As a child, I had several influential teachers who I often mistakenly called “mom” or “dad” because they had become so important in my life. They were talented individuals who probably could have chosen a different path and made a lot more money. I’ve taught before so maybe I’m a bit biased, but teachers are probably the most undervalued people in our society. They raise our kids when we’re too busy chasing cash. They serve as role models to youth growing up in single-family homes. They work all day in a chaotic environment and then take their work home just to be ready for the next day. Slam poet Taylor Mali has a few things to say about jack-a’s that say “those who cannot do, teach”.

While visiting Portland I met a former colleague of Dr. Tyrone Hayes. Dr. Hayes, a Biology Professor at UC Berkeley, has spent a great deal of his time researching amphibians, but that is just the start. His labs have examined the harmful effects of the herbicide Atrazine. I had never actually heard of Atrazine until I saw this video in which Dr. Hayes raises awareness through the medium of rap. I hope to get him in one of our episodes soon.