I am the proud product of public education in Oklahoma.
Growing up I had some incredible teachers.
They taught me how to read, that changed everything. Suddenly, the world was wide open.
They also taught me how to share my crayons and how to speak in public. I learned how to write in cursive. I learned not to eat paste. I learned math and art (art was my favorite.) I learned about space and spelling.
These hardworking women and men molded my mind, and they helped to shape my story.
They ignited curiosity.
They invited me to a lifetime of learning.
I’m so very grateful.
Their jobs have gotten tougher and tougher.
Every day, in the middle of increasingly hard situations, good teachers show up and create potential, they make something out of nothing.
They do not get thanked enough.
They do not receive enough respect.
They don’t get paid enough.
They are heroes.
They are the music makers…
They are the crafters of dreams.
I stand with them.
From 1,091 miles away…
I stand with them.
carbonated joy 