Maria Burke, also known as Jenny Loveitt, said goodbye recently to grading elementary school homework, back-biting colleagues, and a bitter divorce, and officially launched her career as a strip club lap-dancer and video porn queen.
The 28-year-old opted for a career in porn for the simple reason: the money was better; infact six times better than her paltry salary as a third grade teacher.
"I sometimes miss teaching, but I'd never go back to it," Maria told The Mirror. "I'm earning more money than I ever dreamed of and I'm proud of what I do. I've always loved sex and I've never been ashamed of my body. It makes sense for me to make use of my talents."
After struggling to make ends meet as a part-time piano instructor and then grade school teacher, Maria got a tip from a good friend who was lap-dancing at the time and making good money.
Maria says she took to the adult life like a fish to water and got her first real break from Peppermint Rhino in Birmingham for two lap-dance appearances per week.
"I've always enjoyed dancing and I didn't see anything wrong with stripping," she told The Mirror. "I practiced all the moves in front of my bedroom mirror and applied for an audition. It was fantastic. I had no experience but they said I was a natural and I really looked forward to my slot. After a while, I realized I was getting more satisfaction out of lap-dancing than the teaching."
After months of juggling both careers, Maria finally gave way to her longing to be a prominent porn star and created the stage name Jenny Loveitt.
According to reports, Maria moved back to London and began a full-time career in porn.
"For me, porn was a natural progression from lap-dancing," she was quoted as saying. "I am not bothered about being filmed having sex. It is something I enjoy so why shouldn't I share it with others? And I don't think it demeans women at all. In fact, it has empowered me and given me my independence."
So far, Maria has starred in such Internet and video titles as "Rear Ender," and "Toys R Ass."
"I was sorry that things didn't work out with my teaching, but I gave it my best shot," she said. "I honestly think I would still be there now if it hadn't been for those other uptight, stuffy teachers."