“Like so many people, I got my start in music through church. From the time we could hold a microphone, Mom was having us sing for the Lord. We learned instruments, took piano lessons, and were even trained at a young age by music educators … Continue readingSong tells story of what it’s like to move on in life
“I was 20 when I got married. We were together for 10 years, and we had three children. Actually, I have four children, but my sister raised my youngest. I had my baby girl until she was 6. She’s been with my sister ever since. … Continue reading‘I have great kids; I guess I did something right’
“We got divorced in 1994, and it was like everything hit the fan. Instead of bucking up and doing the right things, I fell off. That’s when I really got into the alcohol, drugs and stuff. I struggled for years, and I went to rehab … Continue readingLife experiences help with homeless, marginalized
For years, Jennifer Bourgeois struggled with drugs and alcohol. Following rehab, she got a job helping homeless people get back on their feet. She called it one of the best times of her life. But after losing the position because of a lack of funding, … Continue reading‘Being able to help people again makes a big difference’
“When my first wife passed away, I was left trying to raise two young children. So when the two of us got married, she was really marrying three people.” “He said to me, ‘You know, these kids need a mother.’ The thing is, I was … Continue readingTrust, commitment keys to 51 years of marriage
“You know, all of our lives we’ve given. Never been on the receiving end. Didn’t know what it was like. I’ve learned now why I give. Being on the receiving end, you understand what people go through. I don’t think I could have ever really … Continue readingCouple learns what it’s like to be on receiving end
“I knew that I wanted to become a special education teacher. But life throws you curves sometimes. I graduated high school six months pregnant with my daughter, and I got married right away. Later on, I had a son. By the time he was starting … Continue readingLife’s curves can’t stop special education teacher
Jennifer Nerf directs a program that provides tools to help students with high-functioning pervasive developmental disorders, including autism, social communication disorder, anxiety disorder and other related challenges. Related: Teacher offers understanding, guidance to students Life’s curves can’t stop special education teacher
“I want my students to be advocates for themselves. One of my girls last year was having issues in class, and she came to my room mad. She said, ‘That’s it. We’re going into that class. We’re teaching them about autism.’ I said, ‘Let’s do … Continue readingTeacher offers understanding, guidance to students
“I was premature, a seven-month baby. My mom said that I passed right after birth. My heart stopped, but they brought me back. “I was in an incubator for 10 days. On the eighth day my heart stopped again, and they had to bring me … Continue readingHe was destined to help other people hear better