The Story Behind My Passion

As early as I can remember, I loved using my imagination. Whether it was creating stories or poems, drawing on a chalkboard, or exploring the neighborhood, adventure and fun has always fueled my energy. After almost 9 years in the United States Air Force, and fifteen years in education, I found myself circling back to one of my earliest passions– writing. As a middle school language arts teacher, this became more prevalent. Every quarter was like a chapter in a YA novel and my students were the funniest, unique characters ever! This segment in my career truly reignited my passion.

When I became a cheerleading coach, my teams helped me remember why I became a teacher and what I loved most about school– friends! Coaching provided me with many new stories and experiences I will never forget. Once I began teaching high school, I also quickly realized the need for career exploration as early as possible- many of my students were limited in the amount of exposure they had to jobs and what they wanted to be in life. This is what truly helped me write my first story, “Pretend Play Day: Chloe’s Quest.” Sparking children’s interest while they are curious early readers, and getting them to see all of the possibilities of things they can do, will plant that seed of belief, that they can!

My hope is that every student has the confidence and the drive to find careers they truly enjoy, that excite them and help them to feel uplifted every day. I once heard, “if you find a career you enjoy, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Through literature, I want to help kids to find their interests, learn about ways they can earn a living and be happy and successful in life. How more beautiful our world would be!