Sharronda Smith and Charity Reid met in science class at Madison High School.
They graduated in 2004 and became teachers.
Smith now teaches science at MacArthur High School.
Both want to empower the next generation.
“My youngest son was diagnosed with autism. I knew that the diagnosis alone would lead others to think that we couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to do certain things,” said Reid. “I want to encourage my boys and children everywhere that they are capable of doing way more than they think.”
So, Reid started writing; and remembering how Sharronda used to draw in class back at Madison, she asked Smith to illustrate her book.
The story is called “The Tale of Aspire.”
It’s about a bird-like creature who discovers there is more to him than meets the eye.
“Sometimes society -- and ourselves -- we put labels on ourselves and on what we can do,” said Smith. “We limit what we believe we can do. We believe in the outside voices, but we may be made for something greater. Don’t limit yourself.”
Reid and Smith hope “Aspire” will inspire students to be everything they can be and try new things.
One of the first people to do that for Smith was her English teacher at Madison, Bruce Henry.
“It had nothing to do with art--nothing to do with science. It was more about believing in myself. Mr. Henry-- he taught me how to believe in myself.”
You can buy the book here, https://oakiebees.com/products/the-tale-of-aspire
