Madeline,
Rather than construct a new answer, here is what I said
when asked to address our community (in 2000) at the opening of an
annual student art exhibit.
http://kancrn.kckps.k12.ks.us/rosedale/duncan/WoodyYAM.2000.html
We all have our stories of why we teach what we do. It's good to share them.
Woody, Retired in Albuquerque