Instead of teaching, I worked at the St. Paul Public Library for several years. I began at the central library, then moved to different branch libraries, and ended up as the bookmobile librarian.

I was an assistant to the governor's wife and manager of the Governor's Residence in Minnesota for six years. I learned to do many things there that I had never done before and answered lots and lots of letters. (That's a good writing exercise!)

After exciting and enlightening trips to Haiti and China, I was convinced people ought to see how people live in other parts of the world. I thought more people should have that opportunity. A partner and I started a travel agency to help them do just that.

There are many programs that offer exchange programs for students. The one we have worked with is Youth for Understanding.