While it will take us a couple of weeks to truly learn each other, I thought I would offer up a little bit about myself. Though I was born in Lafayette, Indiana, I consider myself a Georgia Peach, as I have been here since I was two months old. I am an only child who grew up in Southeast Atlanta, attending McNair High School where I was a cheerleader and a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. I went on to Mercer University where I double majored in English and Communication and Theater Arts. I graduated in 2001 and then went back to get my teaching certificate. I have been teaching here at Forest Park since 2004. Two years ago, I received my Masters degree in reading because I don’t believe that anyone can really attain all that they can without knowing how to read well. Although everyone doesn't have a passion for it like I do, everyone should be able to do it well. Throughout the course of this year, I hope that an enthusiasm for reading and writing will be awakened within you and that you will come to appreciate the creativity and contributions of America’s greatest writers.