Lloyd Hatch - Encouraging Me To Be Who I Am

When I was just a young girl, I was embarrassed by the fact I was poor.  We barely had money to eat and my parents could not afford to buy me things like the cool jeans or cute purses.  There were several girls in my class who had parents that were doctors or lawyers and there was just no keeping up.

I basically lived in my own depressive state and didn’t try too hard to socialize.  I had friends, but I never went with them afterschool.  I pretty much kept to myself and didn’t dare to bring anyone home to my shack or alcoholic father. 

The fact was I didn’t have anyone to talk to about my feelings.  However, Mr. Hatch, a teacher I had for three years was there.  He’d assigned us to write in a journal daily and whenver he read mine, there were always little comments.  When I wrote about the fight I’d had with my alcoholic father, he’d written, Alateen and their telephone number.  When I talked about running away, he made a comment, “But then you’d miss my class!”

The fact is Mr. Hatch made me love to write.  He inspired me to be me and not let anything get me down.  For that, I can only say thank you for allowing me to be who I am and encouraging me to do what I love.