In my youth, dreams were a constant companion.
In the first grade, a spark of aspiring to be a published author ignited. Determined to start early, I scribbled and dispatched an original manuscript, complete with hand-drawn and crayon-colored illustrations, to a publisher I found in the Yellow Pages.
The fourth grade brought a musical revelation. My band teacher recognized my knack for music and suggested I consider becoming a musician.
My odyssey continued in the sixth grade with an exploration of advertising. Lessons on copyrighting, page layout, and design captivated me, fostering a love for the craft.
Middle school saw the concrete realization of my dreams through the design of a cardboard dreamhouse for a class project. This newfound joy led me to pursue more designs as a hobby, contemplating a future as an architect.
Yet, in the depths of my soul, a consistent calling remained—I knew I would be a teacher. It was ingrained in my genes, with my father, mother, aunts, uncles, and grandfather all embracing the noble profession.
Reflecting on the diverse career paths explored in my youth, teachers played a pivotal role in teaching me how to dream. While seriously considering roles as a writer, musician, advertising executive, and architect, it was education that provided grounding. These interests were not abandoned; instead, they found expression as I worked alongside others fostering the growth of writers, musicians, advertising executives, and architects. Today, living my dream as an educator, I aspire to inspire students to explore and dream their own possibilities.