Teaching Philosophy

On the days which seem too tough to make it through, I will remember that God never gives us a problem we can’t overcome, and I will read this to remind me why I am a teacher in the first place…

Before you read another word, I think it is necessary to preface this post by saying it is a rough draft, so to speak, about what type of teacher I want to be. I’ve been asked to put it into writing… my teaching philosophy… an examination of my strategies and beliefs as an educator. It would be a lie for me to say that everything written here is the final product, the revised and edited version, the end of my thinking about the type of teacher I want to be. In fact, I think of my teaching philosophy as a bucket that never fills; a bank to which I can constantly add information, and use for reflection. I have learned from experiences in classrooms, both good and bad, and feel there is much more to learn. I believe that teaching will take great courage, that teaching will be a learning process for me and my students, and that I am about to encounter some of the biggest challenges I have ever faced in my lifetime.

My beliefs as an educator have been forming and developing over the last two years. I once had a professor tell me, “Be the student you want to teach.” I took it to heart and have tried to be the best student I could be, all the time realizing that my own success behind the desk will not be the only thing that is important when I step in front of the rows of desks to teach. Yet, the past two years as a student have been the time for me to grow, and push myself to the limits in an atmosphere that fostered critical thinking and engagement with the world around me. During this time, I have reexamined old beliefs with a new set of eyes, made adjustments in my thinking when necessary, and come through with a firmer set of beliefs and standards not just for the classroom, but for everyday living. As I have recently entered the high school English classroom, I have been asked to apply theory to practice, develop strategies for student success, and tackle the difficulties of classroom management.

I hope to empower my students to make real-life connections to the curriculum. I want them to see that writing is a way to develop a powerful voice that is often heard for generations to come. Literature is the eye for studying the human spirit and examining people from far off places. But sometimes, literature is the most effective when it becomes the eye which helps us see the person who is right next door. I believe that only through such connections will the content of the English classroom become applicable to the lives of students and form its own meaning within the individual.

So how do I help students make these connections? I believe the meaning to be gained from the content is unique for each student, but I can model my own reading, writing, and thinking strategies for students. I do not believe it is my job to tell students what to think, but I can model for them how to think. What I mean by this is that I can model problem-solving skills, present collaborative projects, and mediate peer-to-peer debate and discussions in the classroom. I can help them make these connections by constantly asking myself: What is it that my students need the most? How can I make the content interesting to them? What is it I want my students to learn? How will I assess their knowledge? Do my students really understand what is being asked of them? I believe that constant reflection of my own teaching strategies is necessary to ensure that I am meeting the needs of my diverse students. Reflection is essential for me to be able to figure out what works and what doesn’t, and how I can change to make it work.

I want my students to understand that the skills being taught in my classroom are beyond the word “English”. It is my job to teach students the four Language Arts: Reading, Writing, Thinking, and Speaking. I believe that these four skills are powerful tools that aid the individual in a lifelong process of learning and self discovery. No matter what path a person chooses for his life, these skills are necessary to navigate in the world, build relationships with others, and succeed on any scale or area in life.

I want to be a teacher because it is the greatest opportunity to impact the lives of many people in a positive way. This impact will not be by force or conformity, not by pushing my values and beliefs on others, but by using literature, language, and the written word as tools to empower students to become all they dream they can be. On the days which seem too tough to make it through, I will remember that God never gives us a problem we can’t overcome, and I will read this to remind me why I am a teacher in the first place…

Riverfest Reflections

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Riverfest is over, and as I reflect on the hustle and bustle of the weekend, I am reminded of how much I am truly blessed. From start to finish, my experience at the festival was a positive one, filled with community spirit, friendly faces, and a sense of goodwill from everyone I met. Here’s a run-through of this weekend’s events…

Despite the rainclouds and frequent showers that loomed overhead, I set the booth up for the Humane Society on Friday night. When I arrived at my space, I was greeted by shop owners and other vendors in the area who were eager to see if I needed a hand unloading the truck. A special thank-you goes out to Jessi and Janice Hagood for helping me get our t-shirts and other items out of the boxes and ready for display. Thank goodness Eddie Price had a roll of tape I could use, because of all things I could have forgotten, tape was what I was missing! T-shirts were selling like hotcakes before I could get them out of the box, and once the street filled with people, raffle tickets were selling too! Much to my surprise, my husband and my daughter dropped by the tent to see me and all the activity taking place. (I didn’t expect them to come out until Saturday.) I was also glad to see my friend Jean Ann who came to help work the booth and keep me company for several hours. We raised just under $200 dollars Friday night for the animals, and although I was tired and hungry, I went home counting Friday night a success.

Saturday morning began early. I arrived at 7:30, quickly set up the booth, and left it in the hands of another faithful volunteer from the Humane Society. Then, my mom and I headed a few blocks down the road so I could pick up my race packet. I was surprised when I got there to see my dad with a race bib already pinned to the front of his shirt! Also there was my husband and daughter, ready to cheer me on. Volunteers for the Literacy Project were busy taking entry forms and runners were stretching and getting ready for the race. This was an awesome race for me for several reasons. Yes, we were racing for the Literacy Project, a great non-profit that has a huge impact on our community, but I was also running with my dad, and my mom was there to see me run for the first time as well.

I took off from the start line faster than I had planned, I guess because of nerves and excitement. My breathing was heavy and my legs were tight as I hit the first hill. But in my mind, I was prepared for this. At the beginning of a race, adrenaline is always pumping, and I knew there would be some tough hills in this race. So, in preparation for this race and the ½ marathon in West Virginia that I will be running in two weeks, I have incorporated more hills into my training over the summer. All those hill repeats and extra strength training paid off as I topped the first hill, caught my breath, and rounded the corner to the only flat stretch in the route. From there I continued at what I thought was a pretty good pace for the rest of the race. I pushed myself hard, but my breathing was good and my legs felt strong. My goal was to finish the race in 27 minutes, so I was surprised when I rounded the last corner and glanced at my watch to find it said 23 minutes! The last ½ mile was a slow incline and I used every bit of energy I had left to climb it as fast as I could. I finished the race in 25:05, making it my fastest 5K ever! Since this was such a hilly course, I truly shocked myself. I was the 5th woman and 16th person overall out of 48 to finish. Almost $1,000 was raised for the Literacy Project and I beat my own PR! In my mind, this race was a success and I walked away feeling like a winner!


After the race, I resumed my duties at the Humane Society’s booth. The streets quickly filled with people and smiling faces as the place came alive with activity. My mom was there to help me and I was proud of the way she enthusiastically took part in selling raffle tickets and helping educate the public about our organization and our mission. Soon my dad and step-mom arrived too, and I put them to work as well. Before the day was over, even my grandmother had sold some raffle tickets and t-shirts! My dad dressed up in a dog suit and danced in the streets, attracting quite a crowd of both kids and adults. My friend Jean Ann returned too because she loves animals as much as I do and knows the importance of what the Humane Society does in our community. Star News even stopped by the tent and interviewed us for a bit! I’ve never been camera shy, so I had no problem talking a minute when the reporter asked me to tell him about the Humane Society!


My husband and my daughter came out to see me and brought Sophie, our German Shepherd that we adopted. Sophie is just one of the 387 animals that found a loving home in 2007 because the volunteers at the Humane Society were able to help her. And, I have to say that I would not be able to be one of those volunteers if it were not for the love and support of my husband, who unselfishly sacrifices his own time, puts up with the phone ringing non-stop for me on some days, and watches our daughter so that I am able to work with the animals and appear at events like Riverfest. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you Robert!


At 7:30, me, my mom, my step-mom, and my dad, who was still dressed in the dog suit, went onstage with Mike Moore from WLOE radio to draw the tickets from the raffle. Thank you Mike, for giving us the opportunity to have a moment in the spotlight and let people know about the Humane Society. Congratualtions to all of our winners and thank you for your support. You DO make a difference!

After a long weekend, I retreated to the comfort and quiet of my living room, with my husband by my side, and my dogs curled up at my feet, rejoicing over our success. $1,518 was raised for the Rockingham County Humane Society which will be used for the care of neglected and homeless animals in our community. Thanks to the ladies of Two-Rivers Quilt Guild, Arthur’s Jewelry in Reidsville, Sears of Reidsville, Angie Jones (for the t-shirts), and all of our volunteers who made the raffle and Riverfest a success. Most of all, thanks to my parents and my family who support me in everything I do. I praise God for placing each of you in my life!

Inspiring Teachers

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
~William Arthur Ward


We all have people in our lives that have inspired us to become who we are today. I believe that true inspiration continues throughout our lives, giving us something to reflect on; keeping us in check to make sure we continue on the path for where we want to be tomorrow.

Lately I’ve been thinking of those teachers who have inspired me, what was different about them, and what type of teacher I want to be. Here is a list of teachers whose words and actions have traveled with me beyond the beyond the classroom.

• Mrs. Pamela Drews
Kindergarten teacher
Lakeside Elementary
She created an atmosphere of learning and creativity in her classroom that was fun and memorable.

• Mrs. Candy Smith
6th grade Language Arts
Holmes Middle School
We created a time capsule which consisted of anything we could stuff in a manila envelope. From 6th grade until graduation, Mrs. Smith kept the time capsules in her attic. When we graduated we opened them to find all of our “treasures” and a letter from our teacher. Her letter was filled with words of wisdom that I still have and still pull out and read to this day. That letter has helped me find my direction when my way was lost more than once.

• Mrs. Angie Smart
Morehead High School
I wasn’t actually in a “class” with Mrs. Smart, but this lady took the time to notice a scared and confused teenager who roamed the halls. She took the time to sit and listen to the things I had to say without ridicule or criticism. When I was about to give up and drop out of high school, she stepped in and gave me encouragement. I am convinced that her reassuring words and confidence in me are one of the reasons I did walk across the stage and receive my diploma.

• Mr. Phil Conte
English I and American Literature
Rockingham Community College
Mr. Conte gave me my first and only “C” on a paper my freshman year of college. I learned a lot from that paper. I thought I could write before, because I always did well in writing. But, Mr. Conte showed me that writing is not easy or trivial. One must work hard at writing and he made me realize the hard work was worth the end result.

• Mrs. Donna Shumate
American Literature
Rockingham Community College
It was in her class, while giving a presentation on Huckleberry Finn, that I realized I wanted to teach literature! She inspired me to think of literature as “the study of the human condition” and I finally began to make real-life connections to the material I was reading.

• Dr. Jeanie Reynolds
The Teaching of Writing
UNCG
Dr. Reynolds pushed me to think of myself as a writer. She also inspired me to do something about it. She redefined the journal for me and introduced me to what is my greatest tool as a writer: the Daybook. I now realize that in order to teach writing effectively, I must constantly reflect on my own writing process.

• Dr. Jewel Cooper
Diverse Learners
UNCG
Dr. Cooper challenged me to examine my views on difficult and often uncomfortable subjects, all so that I could grow as a person and a future educator. She also told me, “No more tears until graduation day.” I admire her grace, her poise, and the attention her presence commands in the classroom.

• Dr. Amy Vetter
Methods and Instruction
UNCG
Dr. Vetter’s love for teaching is apparent in each lesson. The activities and methods of instruction she models always leave me with a sense that “I can do this too.”

I hope I can one day influence the lives of my students as these teachers have influenced me. I know that because I sat behind the desk in their classroom, or in some cases, their office where I cried, I am a better person, student, and teacher. So, who has inspired you? Tell me about it…

Riverfest Opportunities

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
~Margaret Mead

"Everyone can be great because anyone can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't even have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve... You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love..."
~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


This is going to be a busy week! I will be busy making last minute preparations for Riverfest, which will be September 18th and 19th on Washington Street in Eden, NC. There will be something for everyone: artisans, crafts, vendors, non-profits, a kid-zone, and much, much more! It’s going to be a weekend of fun for the entire family.
Come out and see me Friday evening from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. or anytime on Saturday. I’ll be under the tent for the Rockingham County Humane Society. We will be raising awareness about RCHS, which is the only no-kill animal shelter in Rockingham County. Established in 1975, we are a 501c (3) organization which means we are non-profit and non-government funded. All support comes from the volunteers and members of the community who generously contribute their time, money, and talents to help us save animals. Our mission is to help as many animals as possible find safe, nurturing, and loving homes. We also encourage people to spay and neuter their pets and offer low-cost monthly clinics. Find us on Petfinder at www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC524.html

We are excited about the upcoming festivities at Riverfest! We will be selling raffle tickets for our annual raffle, t-shirts, doggie bandanas, hand-painted magnets, and guardian angel pins. One of our volunteers will be dressed in a huge dog costume to greet the kids and give away coloring books and pencils. Many people bring their dogs to Riverfest, so make sure Fido is on a leash and bring him by our tent for some cool refreshment at our “Pet Water Station.” All proceeds from Riverfest will go directly towards the care of abandoned and neglected animals in our community and the operation of the RCHS.

At 8:30 on Saturday morning, Riverfest will kick off the day with a 5K to benefit the Rockingham County Literacy Project. The RCLP is dedicated to teaching adults how to read, improve their reading skills, and help people learn to speak English. Elizabeth Neterer described the importance of these skills when she said, "Reading is a means whereby we may learn not only to understand ourselves and the world around us but whereby we may find our place in the world." We live in an area where many people had to drop out of school at an early age in order to work in a nearby mill and support their families, so there are a surprising number of adults in our area who are illiterate. Many others are only functionally literate, meaning they can read just enough to get by in the world, but are unable to enjoy reading the way it should be enjoyed. We also live in an area where the Hispanic and immigrant population is increasing at a fast rate, and people need to be able to speak and read English in order to find jobs and improve their quality of life. The RCLP offers one-on-one training in basic skills for reading, writing, speaking English, and math. Students of all ages are matched with a tutor who will help the student reach his or her needs and literacy goals. If you are interested in running in the 5K or becoming a tutor for RCLP, check out their website at www.rcliteracyproject.org

I am so excited to be a part of this year’s Riverfest. I look forward to seeing many faces at the tent for the Humane Society. If you are interested in ways you can help or volunteer, come by and check us out. By participating in the 5K race I will be able to use running to impact the lives of people right here in my hometown! The Rockingham County Humane Society and the Rockingham County Literacy Project are just two of the non-profit organizations that will be present this weekend. As I said, there will be something for everyone, so come out and get some cotton candy, get involved, and most importantly…make a difference!

Teaching of Writing Philosophy

"It has occurred to me lately that writing and running have quite a bit in common. Both take dedication and practice, and both abilities disappear if they are not used."
~Cynthia D. Urbanski
Using the Workshop Approach in the High School English Classroom

I believe that…
 Teaching writing should be a transactional process between the student and teacher.
 I am not only a teacher of writing, but a coach of writing whose goal is to enable my students to find their authentic voice, develop their own process for writing, and discover creative ways to communicate ideas to their intended audience.
 I have as much to learn from my students as they have to learn from me.
 Learning is individual, different for everyone, flexible, and various assessment strategies should be used to measure success.
 I should assess my own teaching strategies based on the needs of my students.
 It is important to emphasize student strengths and respond positively to success and improvement.
 Learning proceeds best when learners find the learning personally meaningful in the here and now, when they have the sense that “I can do this” (Learning Theory and the Teaching of Grammar, Constance Weaver, p. 4)
 It is my responsibility to demonstrate to my students the strategies that work for me in writing so that they are able to see that as a writer, I share the same struggles that they face. In doing so, it is my intention to motivate my students and help them see the value of writing.
 It is my responsibility to maintain a classroom that my students feel safe and comfortable in. They should feel comfortable sharing thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. They should feel respected and valued as individuals and as a community of growing writers.
 It is my responsibility to provide my students with authentic learning experiences by engaging them in writing that has personal meaning and attachment, providing them the opportunity to learn from their own real life experiences which are valuable and unique in individual ways.
 Dictionaries and thesauruses are useful tools. They were not intended for hiding money or pressing flowers. They should not gather dust on the shelf. The pages of each should be worn and possibly frayed. Both should be within arm’s reach when revising or editing work.
 There are distinct differences in writing, revising, and editing. Writing the initial draft of a piece may include freewriting, which is an opportunity to get thoughts from head to paper, no matter how messy the outcome. Revising is a way to revisit those ideas, flush them out and begin to polish a piece. Revising may be a multi-step process. Editing is carefully reviewing the grammar, punctuation, and spelling, in a piece that is ready to be presented as the final product.
 Language expresses the power of the individual imagination and that nurturing a person’s reading and writing abilities enables the development of that power. (Literacy and the Politics of Education, C.H. Knoblauch, p.78) Writing frequently and consistently is the only way to develop that power to its full potential. I also believe that reaching this power is an emergent and continual process that takes place over the course of a lifetime.
 Students should have a “safe space” to write, free from the eyes of others, including the teacher. The Day Book is my personal space where my thoughts can find paper and I can cut, paste, and rearrange ideas so they can begin to make sense. It is my space that is a spring board for work and later projects. In my classroom, the Day Book will be that “safe space.”
 Evaluation of student writing should include thoughtful response to the work. It should encourage and empower students to write more.
 Students should be given multiple opportunities to polish a piece of writing so that they can see the value of the writing process and grow as writers.
 It is necessary to provide students with many opportunities for conferencing about their writing with me and with other students.
 When assessing student writing, grammatical issues are not the first and primary concern. Grammar should be taught as the student needs instruction and this instruction should be tailored to fit the student’s needs.
 It is necessary for writers of all levels to maintain a process portfolio that includes multiple drafts of pieces and experiments with multiple genres of writing.
 Reflective letters should be written after an assignment is completed and turned in with the final product. This will allow the student to explain his process and give me insight into the piece. This type of reflection is necessary for both student and teacher so that a student can explain his reasoning behind choices he makes as a writer, and so that the teacher can respond as a reader in ways that will encourage the student and enable him to write more.
 Finally, I do not believe that student writing should be restricted by form. When a student’s form of writing is restricted, his authentic voice is stifled and growth for the writer will not come naturally.

I am from...

I am from homemade biscuits, orange salad, honeysuckles, and the pantry lined with jars of fresh green beans.

I am from the porch where Grandma sits to crack her pecans while a warm summer breeze makes a melody in the wind chimes.

I am from the rose bush, the Bradford Pear trees, and the rows of silver queen corn in Grandma’s garden.

I am from football games on Thanksgiving Day with aunts, uncles, and cousins in the back yard, from Alice and Teresa Ann, from Grandpa Jack and his five dollar bills that always put a smile on my face as a child, from Cordie Mae and Ollie Mae, too.

I am from the shouters at Pittsburgh Pirates games, and the togetherness of a tight-knit family. From track stars and wrestlers and football players. From clarinet and saxophone and guitar players. I am from poets.

From the den where I cracked Uncle Jamie in the head with a telephone and a poker, back when I was just “a little thang”. From “Something’s out there!” and “It’s Mary on the phone!”

I am from those who believe that family is the tightest bond and no matter where you go or what you do, or how old you get, you never outgrow that circle.

I am from good ole mountain people of Ashe County, NC, grandma’s chicken-n-dumplin’s, and her world- famous zucchini bread, covered with homemade, love-filled icing on the top.

From the tree house and backyard where Jamie and I used a shoebox, a stick, some yarn, and bread crumbs, impatiently waiting to catch a Blue Jay.

From the kitchen with the door that all the grandkids think leads to another secret world, known only as “The Basement…”

I am from the living room where the walls are lined with pictures of faces, each life represented in a frame; a place untarnished by time. A house where family gathers around Grandma’s table and laughter fills the air.

From there to here...

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble."
~Helen Keller


From the time I was a little girl who used to line stuffed animals up in chairs and play school, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I have always loved to read and I have kept some form of a journal since I was 10 years old, filling the pages with poems, narratives, and quotes, song lyrics, and scraps of paper with words that meant something to me. I grew up on stage performing in dance competitions and dramas, so the arts have always been a part of my life. I traveled doing construction work for five years after high school and learned many things including the values of hard work, independence, family, and a small town. I returned to my roots not because I failed out in the world, but because I could finally see what was here all along. My experiences have led me full circle and I have found a purpose and direction for my life. I look forward to teaching high school in Rockingham County, hopefully at the same high school that I attended. I want to make an impact where it matters to me the most: around my home and in the lives of teenagers. I am eager to help young people develop reading, writing, thinking, and speaking skills that will help them function as adults and be beneficial throughout their lives, no matter where their lives may lead them. I plan to work both inside and outside of the classroom with my students, fellow teachers, and parents to expand the programs and opportunities that are available to students in my community.

English is such a wonderful opportunity to allow students to explore and analyze the world around them through literature, theatre, and writing! While teaching English, I will encourage my students to become active in their community. I feel that service work is very important and it helps individuals grow into productive citizens who are able to contribute to the active and changing world around them. In the past, I have worked with the Rockingham County Literacy Project, YMCA's Empty Stocking Fund, and I volunteered with the Salvation Army for the summer of 2007.

I discovered my most passionate volunteer cause in 2007 when I adopted my dog Sophie from the Rockingham County Humane Society. Sophie became my most faithful running partner and I began volunteering there once I saw the impact this organization has on the lives of so many animals. I also saw the desperate need for money, volunteers, and supplies. I wanted to do more to help animals like Sophie. On May 30, 2009, the first Paws-n-Claws 5k Race and Fun Walk was held to benefit the Humane Society. I organized and directed this event which raised over $6,000 for abandoned and neglected animals in my community. It was a wonderful experience to combine my love of running and animals to do something good for the community.



(This is a photo of runners who heldped raise money for the animals.)

Over 150 people attended the event, including volunteers from local high schools. It was a great experience for me because I had the opportunity to work with city officials, business owners, and people in my county while planning the event. I met with high school principles to find ways to get students involved and enjoyed working with teenagers who volunteered their time and efforts. I also met with a group of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade girls participating in a program called "Girls on the Run." The program was founded by a North Carolina woman who felt like running had helped her deal with many of the problems that teenage girls face. It is a 12 week course that combines character education, community service, and life lessons with training to run a 5k.



(These are some of the young ladies from "Girls on the Run")

These girls and the other student volunteers I have met have provided me with much inspiration because I see the eagerness they have to learn and contribute so they can make a difference in their community. So you see, my career as a teacher has already begun, even though I am still earning my degree. When working with these young people, I know that I am working with children who might one day be in my classroom as students, and I know without a doubt that I have chosen the right career path. I know that even my experiences outside of the classroom are helping me prepare for the day that I am a teacher.

I run for life, too.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillippians 4:13









If you ask her why she is still running,
She'll tell you it makes her complete.
I run for hope, I run to feel
I run for the truth, for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend
I run for life.
--Melissa Etheridge
“I Run For Life”


At least once a week, someone asks me, “Why do you RUN? Of all things, WHY running?” So, I think it’s time I answer that question and put it in writing…

Most people I know think running is one form of exercise that is, well, “for the birds”, or for anyone other than themselves. And that’s all right; I just hope that everyone has something in their lives that motivates them. Everyone needs something that moves them, both physically and emotionally. Running does just that for me. I run because God has blessed me with the ability to do so. I remember very well the car wreck that caused me to lose the use of my legs seven years ago. I remember the hard year of surgeries, physical therapy, weight gain, depression, and loneliness. I thank God He saw fit to pull me out of the chaos my life was in during that time. So every time I lace up my running shoes, kick a soccer ball in the yard with my daughter, slow dance in my living room with my husband, push the pedal to drive myself to school, or ride a bicycle down a country road with my dad, I thank God that He gave me a second chance. Running helps me see my body as more than a number on a scale or a size on a tag. Running reminds me to treat my body well, because it’s the only one I have and the only one I’ll get.

Running is unique in that it is the one thing I do for myself, yet I can use it for the greater good, to make a small impact in the lives of many, and hopefully, inspire those around me. So how do I accomplish this? The answer is simple: I sign up for races that benefit charities. I plan races to benefit charities. I encourage others around me to MOVE. (You might not like to run, but you can walk!)

When I sign up for a race that supports cancer research, animals, education, adult literacy, or any other charity, I take it seriously and I push myself to train hard. When race day comes and I step up to the starting line, all those around me become a blur and the only competition lies within me. Winning a race is never my goal. I am not the fastest and I can’t go the farthest, but I CAN GO! I am just thankful and happy I can! And in those moments of the race I test my personal strength both physically and mentally. And if I ever feel I can’t make it, I remember how far I’ve come in life and that God still has plans for me.

As I cross the finish line, I have a special feeling that you can only get when you work really hard for something. Not just anything, but something you believe in. Not just yourself, but for others. Something to "pay it forward." There is strength in the individual, but there is more strength in the power of many. I get a sense of accomplishment and pride when think that “little old me” can come together with so many others to raise funds for organizations that focus on reaching out to those in the community. And there, at every finish line, are the smiling faces of my husband and my daughter, cheering me on, showing their support and love, and reminding me how much I am blessed.

So what gets you moving? Whether your cause is a cure for cancer, animal rights, education, political freedom, the whales and the dolphins, or whatever it might be…Find it. Hold on to it. Let it move you. And see where it takes you…

I am from...

I am from fun-shaped pancakes, Nike before it was Nike Air, punchbowl cake and coffee, tin foil, and hose pipes.

I am from the white house with green shutters, the playhouse where I made mud pies with red berries and invited Daddy in for tea, and the living room where we broke the Atari joystick playing Pac Man.

I am from the angel trumpets in my grandmother's garden and the bushes of peonies that lined Daddy's sidewalk.

I am from the ghost stories of Coleman Street and a long line of dancers, from Grandma Elsie and her son Timmy, from honesty, hard work, and hugs given daily.

I am from stubbornness and those who speak their minds, from the holiday gatherings where I laughed with cousins as a child and cried with the same ones when Nannie died.

From "you're my favorite horse if you don't ever win a race" and "Don't take no wooden nickels." I'm from the "Sunny Side of the Street."

I am from the Methodists who sing all 4 verses of the hymn on Sunday morning and the Baptists who believe the Creation Story is no myth and that God is in control.

I am from Eden, the Wright brother's, the authentic First in Flight. From Nannie's orange Slice drink in a bottle on a hot summer day and Daddy's salmon cakes poppin' in their own grease on the stove.

From the soldier who served in Desert Storm when I was in the 5th grade, that feisty woman with the poofy white hair, and the woman who raised me like I was her own daughter.

I am from those who rest permanently on a hill off Sneed Road, the pictures I have to remember them by, from a father who tells me I am his hero, when really he is mine.