What is your favorite memory of growing up and going to school?

I have so many great memories going up on the Southside of Madison. From running track on the South Madison Panthers track team, which through that program I was able to travel almost to every state in the US and spend time with my family and friends; to being a cheerleader for the Southside Raiders Football team. From the food the neighborhood elders provided to make sure I ate, to the corner candy store.
Overall, my most favorite memory growing up and going to school was my Kindergarten teacher, Connie Hood, who would become my mentor and continue to be a part of my life to this day. She took me under her wing and made sure I soared. I remember those moments when I worked really hard, we would go and get a happy meal from Mc Donald’s with her granddaughter (happy meals were the rave in the 90’s). She not only made sure I mastered what I was taught, but she made sure that I experienced activities I might not have gotten a chance to do, like riding horses (my favorite was a horse named Slimer). Even when we lost touch when I went to college, she made sure to find me (thank you Barb Rubin for helping her also find me).
Thank you Connie for always believing in me and for sharing EVERY Disney movie ever made! ​