Julie Grim
Julie Grim, 59, has been teaching for 39 years and currently teaches ESL (English as a Second Language) at Parker-Bennett-Curry Elementary School in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She thrives on staying busy and constantly learning. One of her most recent accomplishments was earning her doctorate, a goal she felt driven to achieve. In addition to teaching, Grim works four days a week and most weekends at the Lisa Rice branch of the Warren County Public Library.
Known by her students as "Fancy Nancy" for her glamorous wardrobe and vibrant style, Grim carries both confidence and strength. About eight years ago, she was diagnosed with tongue cancer. Despite this, she did not miss a single day of school during her entire journey with cancer.
"I just can't imagine not working," Grim said. "I don't ever want to stop learning and growing and meeting people. I like to be a role model, especially for younger girls. You don't have to stop at a certain age. There's nothing to stop you from doing what you want to do and what you love."
Has your perspective on aging changed over time, and if so, how?
"I've grown to really believe that age is just a number, and it's how you feel about yourself and how you treat other people, that's the big thing in life. I think you just need to appreciate aging as part of the process. My lines and everything else are part of my history of things that I've come from. You need to be real on the inside and outside."
