Excellent Life doesn't always start at birth Late Bloomer by Rachelle Allen Your Life in 150 words writing prompt entry

My life began when I was twenty-five, married, expecting and terrified of being as awful a parent as my own mother. At a nearby Kindergarten, I asked if I could volunteer; I wanted to learn how to help children blossom. I was paired with Ann Blauvelt, a master teacher, who showed me, day after beautiful day, why teaching was my perfect occupational fit, not my current opera-singing gig. Unlike my mother's harsh, vicious words, Ann said things like, "You're a natural teacher" and "Every child here loves you." Under my mother's rule, I was accomplished but miserable and haunted. Under Ann's tutelage, I was sunny and loving. What I learned? If you want to bring out the best in people, tell them what they're doing right. Encourage their strengths. Help them persevere through their lesser talents. Forty years later, I'm proud to still do that every day as a teacher. Writing Prompt Write the entire story of your life in no more than 150 words. You can be experimental, creative, funny, serious, provocative, reflective, whatever style you best feel represents your life. You must write about your entire life, not just a moment of it. No poetry (too easy). No fiction (YOUR life), although metaphors are acceptable so long as they are directly interpretable to be about your life. You'll be surprised at what your life looks like in 150 words... Author Notes Photo of Ann Blauvelt and me at a piano recital for my students.

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