This narrative tells the story of a nontraditional student who completed her education to become a college teacher when returning to school was quite unusual. Twenty years after high school graduation, the teacher received a bachelors degree and began a 14-year career teaching mathematics and physical sciences in a public high school. In that time, she completed a Masters program in Natural Science Education, largely to climb the pay scale. She eventually enrolled in a doctoral program, which required 6 years more, and took a position as a visiting instructor as she was completing her Ph. D. The position subsequently was converted to a tenure track position. The author discusses the demands and rewards of her nontraditional education and eventual career path. She also outlines some of the differences in teaching at secondary and tertiary levels. (SLD)