Before anything, thank you for simply finding this page and hangin out. To have my own website about writing, and what I'm trying to do in this world, is wild. I'm glad you are here. I am glad we are spendin time.
If you didn't know, besides writing, I also teach the most amazing group of humans on earth, in the classroom (elementary ages 6-10). Both my wife and I have been international educators for over 10 years (Kuwait 3, Singapore 4, Manila 2, Vietnam 1). In the classroom I enjoy trading snacks, exploring words, telling stories, and crossing over anyone on the playground. I also get a slam dunk once in a while if the rim is lowered a bit. Ask about me! My students know whats up!
I went to Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada (hoops for a few years) and got my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Anthropology (I love learning about new cultures and human actions, and why we do what we do), I drove for 2 hours in my 2000 Toyota Echo to St.Francis Xavier University and received my Bachelor of Education, and also was the assistant coach of the Varisty Women's team. A few years later, I got my Master's of Education (Early Elementary Pedagogy).
I never did a lot of reading growing up. I bought Slam Magazines and admired pictures of Allen Iverson, Gary Payton, and Vince Carter, and dreamed of someday owning every pair of Air Jordan's in the world. I also loved watching re-runs of Fresh Prince and Hanging with Mr. Cooper. As I got older, I found authors that look like me, and it was a game-changer. I can now sit with a book, talk to it, connect and reminisce. I can recommend, reflect and even use it as inspiration for my own work. I never read an entire novel until I was 23 years old.
If you believe you are not a reader, it's okay (trust me, I know). But I'm telling you, that book you love is out there, it's still on the shelf waiting for you. Sometimes, it just takes a little patience (or a teacher/librarian/guardian's assistance) to find it. If you believe you are not a writer, it's also okay (I know this). That blank page you look at in the classroom, or in your writing journal or notebook, does not mean you can't write. This also takes patience or some brainstorming, or a change in genre. I say all of this to remind you, that things take time, and asking for what you want out of your reading and writing journey matters; whether this is in the classroom or at home. I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and the world is waiting to listen.
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