Teresa Hertz graduated from W.W.U. in 1993 with a Bachelor's degree in English Education 4-12. She later returned to Western to earn a second teaching endorsement in reading K-12. She began teaching as a substitute after graduation and found full-time work with Lummi High School, where she taught for four years.

In September 1997, Ms. Hertz and her partner, Maureen Young, began planning the opening of Blossom Childcare and Learning Center. They opened the center June 1, 1998.

"My English skills enabled me to develop a business plan, write the Center's literature, and create a pre-registration packet which led to us being 70 percent full before we even opened our doors. When all you have is a vision, the literature you provide is really important," she said.

"For a person with any inkling that they want to ever be their own boss, a background in English is ideal. You can always hire an accountant, but for communicating with staff and clients, communication skills are essential."