I’ve always loved reading and writing. The library and my hammock were my summer happy places as a kid, and they still are. I loved writing stories, poems, and journaling, too. Unfortunately, at some point, I threw away my childhood writing. Please don’t ever do that. I’ve also always loved school, and I still enjoy taking classes and learning new things. 

In fifth grade, Mrs. Morgan read my story to the class, giving me confidence that I had a talent for writing. In sixth grade, Miss Wolf gave me an alternative assignment project that involved writing and producing a play. I’ve noticed many writers say that a teacher encouraged them in similar ways and influenced them to become writers. Teachers often say a particular teacher inspired them to go into education, too. I was inspired to do both.

My love of learning and working with children led me to become an elementary education teacher. I taught for twenty-five years and loved every minute with my students. The best reward is hearing from them about where they are now on their life journeys. My mantra to my students was to ‘dare greatly’ in life, referring to the famous Theodore Roosevelt speech, The Man in the Arena. It speaks to trying new things and risking failure. Some of my students even memorized it. I bet they can still recite it. They’re awesome like that. Having this growth mindset influenced my recent early retirement to pursue my writing dreams, ‘daring greatly’ like I urged my students to do.