My original inspiration was my mom: a few years after the death of my dad she started dating one my teachers!

When I realized I was having trouble reading I was too embarrassed to ask for help. Some teachers believed in me but I just wasn't focused on school - I was into the music and trying to please my dad.

When I was in nursery school the teachers asked me y'know 'What does your dad do for a living?' So I said 'He helps women get pregnant!' They called my mom and they were like 'What exactly does your husband do?'

In my school people liked the gym teachers because they were the football or soccer coaches. But look if they're cool they get respect.

You have to come in and be that character when you walk into the room. That's what one of my first acting teachers taught me. You know don't go in there being Jennifer and then expect to flip and change because they're not going to have that imagination.

Teachers can change lives with just the right mix of chalk and challenges.

In America the schools have become too permissive the kids now are controlling the schools the tail is wagging the dog. We've got to make a change there and get it back to where the teachers have control of the classrooms.

We are taught you must blame your father your sisters your brothers the school the teachers - but never blame yourself. It's never your fault. But it's always your fault because if you wanted to change you're the one who has got to change.

In a completely rational society the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something else.

There were a few teachers who just did not like me because of my face. Once I was told to stand in the corner until I cheered up. The attitude was 'Oh for God's sake what's the matter with him?' But it's just a natural expression.