Author Presentation

Here I am, in front of a classroom like I have been many times since becoming a student teacher, then a teacher, then a substitute teacher. Now a writer and story-teller. Now I am not telling kids that they have to pass a test to succeed in someone else’s definition. I am telling them that they can define what success is and reach for their own dreams. I am telling them that if the bullied and terrified girl can grow up and talk to rooms full of children, and if the shy, bookworm can turn those early crayon illustrated notebook “Novels” into published books, and convince school districts to use them to teach from, then they can also find a way to share the things they love with the world. I tell them they may never get rich doing what they love, and they may need another job to put food on the table and a roof over their head, but that they should never give up on doing the things that make them feel glad to be alive. I tell them that if you find something that delights you and makes you interested, other people will be interested and delight in it too. It’s all about recharging your energy so you have energy to help recharge our darkest days and let the rest of the world see how beautiful it can be just to share this big blue planet with each other.

[summerfield]

your words are inspirational, and i'm glad that you have a wider audience in your students to impart such words. keep it up, young lady!

[Hazel]

Another lovely shot and text and they are all paying attention - love your philosophy.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

There is nothing more engaging than a personal story because everyone can both relate and learn from it. I'm sure it's not only your words that stick with the students but their memories of you as a person and how you made something from both the good and bad in your life.