“Our school systems are very good at helping and knowing how to educate the middle class and upper middle class. But we struggle with those coming from lower socioeconomic levels. “They often start school with major gaps. Trying to catch them up can be really … Continue readingThey’re working to fill those education gaps
“I write short stories, like action and science fiction. I’ve been doing it for about 10 years. I’ve probably written over 30 stories. When I’m writing, I kind of just lose myself in it.” What’s your favorite story? “It’s one I wrote called ‘The Champion.’ … Continue reading‘When I’m writing, I kind of just lose myself in it’
“I always knew cosmetology was for me but my parents were like, ‘That’s not really a career. It’s not really something that will get you anywhere.’ But I was like, ‘Dad, you have a sister who has her own beauty salon. What are you talking … Continue readingShe likes ‘changing people’ through cosmetology
“Public speaking is a huge challenge for me. I get a lot of anxiety from it. To be honest, the pressure kind of crumbles me. “I’m much more comfortable working on computers. I’ve loved computers ever since middle school. It’s interesting to know how they … Continue readingShe feels most comfortable in front of a computer
“Some boys were teasing her, making fun of her, and encouraging her to say things she didn’t want to say. We knew it would probably get worse in junior high than it was in fifth grade. She was very upset about that. I was planning … Continue readingHomeschool mom teaches kids how to learn
“After doing some acting in high school and then with Baytown Little Theater, I got a chance to work as an extra in an episode of ‘Walker, Texas Ranger.’ From there I got another opportunity and another opportunity, and it kind of snowballed. “Aside from … Continue readingActor coming to grips with getting ‘geeky’ roles
“We’re community volunteers trying to help people make better citizens of themselves, with a spiritual side, of course. “Jehovah’s Witnesses usually go door to door. They’ve been doing it for 100-and-some years. We just started this new initiative, working with what we call witnessing cards. … Continue readingJehovah’s Witnesses try out a new approach
“I’ve been a people person all of my life. I attribute that to the love God has placed in my heart. “I use my gifts to volunteer at the hospital. After my shift at the front desk, I walk around with one of the chaplains … Continue readingShe gets a ‘wonderful peace’ from volunteering
“There were nine of us children growing up, and we lived in poverty. In our community (Liberty, Texas), families were very close-knit. When one had an abundance of food, they shared it with everybody else. We were on the receiving end a lot. It was tough, … Continue readingDespite living in poverty, she loved her childhood
“Our son almost drowned when he was 5. We were kneeboarding in the Colorado River, and he fell into the water. That sort of thing happens a lot. But this time, the board slipped onto his back and just kept pushing his head under. Then … Continue reading‘Painful’ to watch as 5-year-old son nearly drowned