What was Katie like at 5 and 6-years old? She was one of those uniquely joyful kids who is game for anything. She smiled the biggest, sang the loudest, and loved every moment of every day. Katie was an effective communicator. She knew how to listen, ask questions, and get her point across. If that isn't the key to success in school, or for that matter success in life, I don't know what is.
Out of all of Katie's great qualities, I think her voice was her biggest asset. I'm not talking Rosa-Ponselle-singing voice. I'm talking I've-got-something-to-say-and-you-will-listen voice. Katie knew how to be heard. As writers, we know the importance of finding your authentic voice. Katie has had hers since preschool.
Last Wednesday, Mur wrote, "Those of us that went on to further schooling generally became teachers or nurses. In our neighborhood filled with adults who had had to skip high school to survive the depression, that fact was a big deal. Move ahead one generation. The majority of my daughters’ friends went on to 4 year colleges and became scientists, executives, artists, and researchers among other careers."
Katie is the poster girl for that next generation Mur referenced in her post. She's the woman people will be talking about tomorrow. Heck, Foster's Daily Democrat has already written a feature story about Katie. And she even mentioned me. It almost makes me feel like a Woman of Wednesday.
[Photo of Katie Dawley was taken by EJ Hersom and first appeared in Foster's Daily Democrat.]
