William

"William" is a student of mine who reminds me of a little leprechaun.  He is small with red hair that stands up in all directions all the time, green eyes and freckles.  His favorite color is pink.  He spends a lot of time thinking about his future and what he will be when he grows up.  Everyday, he has a new plan and everyday he bounces up to me and says, "Mrs. Riddle, do you know what I am going to be when I grow up?"  The answers vary and always comes in pairs... a circus clown and a veterinarian, the president and a cook, a farmer and a airplane pilot.  His most recent plan though struck me as especially interesting.  "Mrs. Riddle, do you know what I am going to be when I grow up?  Before I join the military, I'm going to be a substitute teacher".  Quite a combination.  Both will put him in a combat zone, but only one will provide hazard pay.