Then my daughter got identified to be in the school district’s Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program. I didn’t know what that meant – but quickly got involved in the district’s GATE Parent Support Group, where I learned along with other parents and staff about how to work with gifted students. That volunteer work propelled me into learning about other parts of the school system, and eventually becoming a parent advocate and educator. I was able to replace my current position with an even better one within the school system.
Although I’m officially retired from the school system, I still work part-time through a non-profit organization to train parents on how to help their children navigate through the school system. I have two other children (Alicia & Joshua) who were also gifted students, and my work as an educator provided me with valuable resources to not only support other families…but mine as well!
I have watched my little gifted baby girl, turn into a beautiful, strong, smart woman. I know I don’t tell her enough how much I love her, and how proud I am of her, but this dad is so blessed to have a daughter so wonderful!
Happy birthday Erica, I love you always,
Dad