It's a standard question.
What do you do [for a living]?

The simple answer is that I'm a librarian at a high school. That usually raises an eyebrow. Right now I'm a librarian. I have done other work and will probably change careers at some time in the future. I prefer to think that my job is to help kids grow up safe, whole, and happy. At least as much as that is possible.

In the past I have worked with children and teenagers who were abused, homeless, in trouble, one or all of those things. Some had everything they needed and others had severe needs. I have worked in education, churches, and in clinical treatment settings. I consider paid and volunteer work part of the same mission.

I enjoy being a librarian very much. It involves teaching, helping, and a little detective work. And my volunteer work allows me to reconnect with kids and adults who need that connection.