Hello Beautiful People,
You’ve met Ashley. You’ve met Jessica. You’ve met Kristin. We’re now pleased to introduce you to Trista, yet another part of the unbelievably beauutiful group, Caz Girls Conquer 365 Random Acts of Kindness.
TWT: Have you been the recipient of a Random Act of Kindness? If so, what was it?
Trista: I have not been the recipient of any Random Acts of Kindness but I hope someday I am! I think it’s such a cool way to brighten someone’s day!
TWT: The 365 Random Acts of Kindness is spreading like wildfire. Do you foresee this project extending beyond 2013?
Trista: Funny, we’ve talked about this. Someone asked me recently what we will do on day 366 and my answer was the same thing we did on day 365. I’m hoping by day 365, kindness will be a life style change for many and not just a 365-day trend. It’s like giving up a habit…after the first few weeks; you forget how you used to be!
TWT: Here at The Write Teacher(s), many of us work with “at-risk” youth. These students are recovering drug addicts; struggling drug addicts, teenage parents, and almost all of them come from broken homes. The struggles, demons, and anger that our students face is often a hindrance to their progress in school and life in general. Do you have any words of wisdom to offer these students?
Trista: I’m not sure that these are words of wisdom; I’ll say instead that they are words of truth. YOU MATTER! What you do every single day matters and has an impact on other people. Don’t hide from what you came from or be embarrassed about it- embrace it and know that you will never allow your children to be put in that situation. One of my favorite quotes is from the movie The Help, “You is Kind. You is smart. You is important.”
TWT: In today’s economy, arts programs in schools are being cut. What reasons would you give a politician for preserving the arts?
Trista: The best part about any of the arts is that they allow each person express themselves. I played several instruments growing up, and I think it was a huge part of making me who I am. Whether it is painting, dance, cello, singing…it doesn’t matter. Each art form allows a person to express himself or herself without being judged, focus without being graded, and be creative! Do you think harder when taking notes or composing a symphony? I’m going with the symphony!
TWT: Here at The Write Teacher(s), we believe that art drives life, and theatre transforms lives. Would you agree or disagree with those statements? Why?
Trista: I agree 110%! As I previously said, I think the arts are instrumental in shaping a child into who they become as adults. I once played Miss Hannigan in Annie and I was scared to death to sing in front of so many people and act like a fool in front of my peers but I did it! That moment gave me the confidence I still have to speak in front of large groups, stand up for myself and think outside the box in my everyday work life.
TWT: Just for fun, what is your favorite movie, singer/band, play, and book?
Trista: My all time favorite movie is the Jim Carrey version of “The Grinch”, and yes I sing every single song loud and proud. My favorite singer is a tough one..I’d have to say Jason Aldean or Sugarland. My favorite play is Annie (I’m bias of course) or the Lion King on Broadway. Finally, my favorite book is an oldie but a goodie. It’s Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. It applies to every person, every single day, no matter what your situation. We even read part of it at our wedding.
TWT: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
Trista: I’m honestly stumped! I grew up in a small town and really loved most of my teachers. My college professors were amazing too. Hmm I’d have to say Professor Francine Varisco of Cazenovia College. Professor Varisco always helped me to make decisions in my personal life, academic life, and now my professional life. She allowed me to see every angle of the situation and didn’t choose my answer for me. I still look up to her and probably always will. Professor Varisco is the kind of “boss” I hope to be someday.
Thank you, Trista!
And note that January is not over! They are STILL collecting funds for Rick & Jennifer and their family, and you can read more about their story by clicking here.