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Since my days as an eager, geeky, eccentric, art student at G.W Carver, I knew I’d be back in Aldine to teach art, but I didn’t realize how soon. Aldine prepared me to strive for the best, be the best, which led to graduating salutatorian, great scholarships, and an amazing college experience. Then life mocked me and my five year plan with a, “HA, just kidding.” I struggled in my early twenties thinking I was a complete failure for not achieving my goal of becoming a creative director of a large advertising firm. Instead, I was a starving big city artist broken in a small midwest town. I didn’t understand why my hard work, top grades, dedication, and strong portfolio only led to dead end internship after internship, at established agencies, and odd jobs such as hotel clerk, restaurant hostess, DJ promoter, nightlife photographer, and entrepreneurship. When I thought everything was doomed, my little sister, the most amazing teacher I know, convinced me to come back home and invest in my other dream: becoming an art teacher. In spring, I left my beloved Milwaukee to begin anew. Stepping into my sister’s shadow, I learned from her, watched her, and took notes while I subbed and completed my alternative certification. By the end of the summer, my first teaching offer was made and I worked three amazing years alongside my sister in Aldine. It was such a great experience, but the best was yet to come. My mother always said to take in consideration every job experience you have, because each one is set to teach you. Mother’s always right, who would have guessed my job as a promoter would come in handy as an art teacher, conference presenter, and advocator of the art studio. Using my skills from advertising, I began networking and became an “art groupie,” as Dr. Michaelann Kelley referred to me, for attend art staff development sessions. Not only did I make new connections and friends, but learned more than I could imagine and began to find myself once again. Each session was like therapy where teachers from all grade levels collaborated and created, as a true life learner. Because I missed presenting to clients, my sister and I began to present math, literacy, and art workshops for the district and at conferences. I thrive on teaching other educators and learning from them as well. Finally, I had my confidence back, took the art certification test, and applied for a transfer. Although I was heartbroken to leave my sister, I knew there was an opportunity for me to grow as an educator and to reach more students. Carter has been my home for two years and I could not be more hashtag blessed. Growing up in the Magnet vertical and now teaching here, has been the best move for me and a dream come true.
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