I cannot remember a time when I didn't draw. I can remember standing in a chair in my babysitter's kitchen drawing a picture of her at her mailbox mailing a letter. I was three years old. I've been drawing since I could hold a crayon. That being said, it was first grade when I truly had someone take notice.
My first grade teacher was Mrs. Brookes. She was tall, young, dark haired and about the prettiest lady I had seen. I adored her and thought she was the best teacher any first grader could have. She was kind and taught us to read, write and do math. But above all, she encouraged us to do our very best. She allowed me to draw and be creative.
I remember during the week before Easter she handed me large colored chalk and told me to decorate her big chalk board. She let me design the board on my own. I drew a huge bunny, chicks, Easter eggs in the grass and of course the sun in the sky. I stood on a chair to reach the high spots. It was a great day for a young budding artist.
Later, Mrs. Brookes called my mom to visit our classroom and look at my masterpiece. She told my mother that it might be a good idea to check into getting me into art lessons during the summer, since we did not have art class in elementary school in 1969. That was the beginning of many wonderful summer art lessons and the foundation for my future career.
I write this to remind myself and those of you who teach children how much your influence can have on a child's life and dreams. I want to encourage you to be that teacher that sees the gifts and strengths of your students. You may not see what your hard work reaps but I promise you those many small seeds you plant can make a huge difference in a child's future.
Thank you Mrs. Brookes for seeing an artist in me.
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