T.M.E.A. review: Who really reads my blog?

T.M.E.A. Review:  Who Really Reads My Blog?

     It was exactly one week ago that I presented my workshop:  "Using Music Technology with Special Needs Students".  I was extremely nervous, but I had prepared for months for this incredible opportunity!  I was relieved when it was 10:50 a.m. and my session had come to a close.  I had over-prepared, so the question and answer session flew by (10:50 - 11 a.m.).  I did not realize the impact I was going to make in the music community and beyond, but as I am writing this email, I am really behind in responding to emails regarding my workshop!  I have always felt that I was supposed to do something big with my life and make a difference in this world.  I truly believe my workshop opened up the door to limitless possibilities to what I can and will do with my life.  I never knew my role as mom and teacher would be valuable to so many people.  I am forever grateful to my mentors for always instilling in me the desire to search for knowledge, challenge me to always be the best, but most of all, the desire to inspire others.  

     I credit these teachers and administrators for giving me opportunities I could have only dreamed of as an adult:  Mr. Robert Giesler, Buster Cooper (the MOST incredible dance teacher I have ever had), my very first music teacher, Mrs. Cypher, my 4th and 5th grade Math teacher, Lilli Grant, my 2nd grade teacher, Cynthia Bell, my 6th grade teacher, Arnold Young, my coach, 7th grade science teacher and second momma, Armelia King, my 9th grade and 12th grade math teacher, Dr. Jack Mattingly, my private voice teacher, Joan Tallis, and my incredible professors from SMU:  Dr. Gail Hartin, Prof. Barbara Hill-Moore, Dr. Carol Reynolds, Dr. Donna Mayer-Martin, Prof. Constantina Tsoulainou, Dr. James Ode, Dr. Sam Holland, Dr. Jose Bowen, Dr. Alan Wagner, Dr. Andrew Anderson, Prof. Martha Satz, Professor Patti Harington Delaney, and Dr. Stuart Cheney.  These teachers and professors exemplified what I aspired to be:  an inspiration to my students.  They inspired me, challenged me, but most of all, taught me how to think out of the box.  I have never questioned my ability to learn, but these teachers understood that I learned differently.  I applaud these people, simply because they saw my ability.  These teachers, professors, and administrators never judged me and they saw what I was capable of doing with my life.  I did have a few teachers and professors that were very limited thinkers, which did cause me to doubt myself at times.  However, I was so blessed by these specific people in obtaining my degree at SMU (always my biggest accomplishment academically), that I owe them the credit that they rightfully deserve.

     By now, you know my second momma, Armelia King, had the biggest influence on my life (besides Robert Giesler) to become a teacher.  Armelia was a rare breed of a teacher.  She kept me in line, showed me kindness when I really needed it, but most of all, she instilled in me the confidence to face any challenge that arose.  I credit Armelia for giving me my wings to fly, simply because she never took no as an answer.  During those formative middle school years, I believe every student needs one of those teachers like Armelia King.  Coach was my rock when my mom had stage 3 breast cancer, and she inspired me to be the woman I am today:  confident, smart, and forgiving.  I have had great role models in my life (my parents, my maternal grandparents, my husband, my terrific in-laws, and my son), but Armelia King was exactly what I needed at 12 years old.  I could write a book about this amazing woman, simply because I credit Coach for pushing me last year to submit my proposal:  "Using Music Technology with Special Needs Students".  I clearly remember sitting at Coach's bedside at Baylor Hospital and laughing.  Coach didn't say much the last three years, but she could nod her head, say yes and no, and would laugh at the things I would come out with!  I asked her two days after Mother's Day, "Coach, do you think people would benefit from me if I did a workshop about students with special needs?".  She shook her head yes and gave me that look-- Dottie knows that look!  If you knew Coach King, her looks were either 1.  You better shut up and do as I say or I will make you run laps until the cows come home or 2. Did you really just say what I think you said?  Momma gave me look number 2.  I knew I had to do this presentation, even if it wasn't going to be picked because of my second momma, Armelia King.  Coach died August 2014, right after I was able to tell her that my workshop had been picked.

     People like Armelia King and Robert Giesler only come around once in a lifetime.  I have been forever blessed by these two inspiring people, and because of them, I hope I have the same effect on my students.  My son, Cole, and my wonderful husband inspire me every day to do my best.  I love my life, but most of all, I love it simply because I have been given so many incredible opportunities, personally and professionally.  Don't give up in life, simply because you never know who you are going to inspire.  Live your life to the fullest, give back, and love unconditionally.