Although Hesse had many thoughts about what she wanted to be when she grew up, her fifth grade teacher believed she could be a professional writer. Hesse never forgot her teacher's support and, because her teacher believed in her, Hesse believed in herself.
When Hesse's mother remarried, Hesse gained a stepfather and a stepsister. Initially, she was a bit jealous of the attention given her stepsister, who was a professional dancer. But with time, Hesse grew fond of both her stepfather and stepsister. To gain attention for herself, Hesse became interested in drama and began acting in school plays. She not only loved to act, but also proved to be an excellent actress. In 1969, she enrolled in Towson State College as a theater major. While in college, Hesse met Randy, her future husband, and because she felt she couldn't be in love and be in theater at the same time, she dropped out of theater, a decision she has never regretted.
Hesse and Randy eloped in 1971. She was 19 years old at the time. Soon after their marriage, Randy, who was in the Navy, was sent to Vietnam. While he was gone, Hesse lived in Norfolk, Virginia. During that time, she went back to school, attending the University of Maryland and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and two minors: psychology and anthropology. She also continued to write poetry and became known for her poetry readings.
Over the years, Hesse had many jobs that later influenced her writing. She worked as a librarian, a substitute teacher, an advertising secretary, a proofreader, and a book reviewer, to name just a few of the jobs she has held.
