Determination

Question:

What is something that’s difficult for you?

Answer:

It’s difficult for me to quit something once I set a goal for myself. For example, when I set my goal to obtain a B.S. degree, I faced many obstacles from the onset. There were so many things that needed to fall into place for me to begin college that I determined that it would take a miracle. I got my miracle but as my mother always said, “God helps those who help themselves!” (In other words, don’t be lazy and God will give you a helping hand.) It was good advice. Getting my B.S. degree was hard work!

Question:

What were some of the difficulties that you had to overcome?

Answer:

The two biggest challenges I had to overcome were finances and time. Even though I have the best husband and helpmate in the world, the responsibilities of raising four active kids were huge! When the kids were young I only managed to take one class per semester while working part time at various jobs. After ten years, I realized that I had to pick up the pace because my gray hairs were really coming in! When my kids finished high school, I took 20 credit hours for several semesters (while working a full time job) and I finally completed my B.S. degree. Since then I went on to get my Masters degree and several other endorsements. After a while, I felt like Forrest Gump… I just kept running and didn’t know when to stop. I became an adrenaline junky! When people began telling me to “stop and smell the roses”, I realized that I don’t know how! (That’s a future goal).

Question:

What jobs did you do in the past, and do you feel that those jobs prepared you to be an author?

Answer:

Yes! Experience is the best teacher! I think every single job I had prepared me to be an author because it’s easier to write about things that you’ve experienced. I was a waitress, a singer, an art sales rep, a tutor, a maintenance supervisor, a director of security and operations at a museum, a substitute teacher, a teacher, an assistant principal, and a principal! Once I achieved my goal to become a principal, I realized that the classroom was where I felt most comfortable, so that’s where I plan to stay until I retire. I love kids!

Question:

Do you have any career advice for kids?

Answer:

Yes. Learn all that you can, and always do your best! Shoot for the stars, dream big, and work hard. Treat people with kindness and love everywhere you go, and do your best to make people smile. Smiles are definitely contagious!

Question:

What advice do you have for people who like to write?

Answer:

Read a lot, and write a lot. Reading is relaxing and writing is good therapy. (Even if you don’t plan to share your writing with others, it can help you feel better.)

Question:

If you live to be 100, what are some goals that you’d like to achieve?

Answer:

I have so many hopes and dreams! Here are just a few: I want to write lots of stories for people to enjoy, I want to read a library full of books, I want to dance, sing and play piano at my 100th birthday party, I want to travel the world and hike the highest mountains. Most importantly, I want to be surrounded with family and friends throughout my life journey. I want to be like George Bailey on It’s a Wonderful Life, knowing that no person is a failure when they make time for family and friends. People are what matter most, and I am a people person!