BOOK
About Me
My name is Shalita Compton, and I am a mother, a teacher and an artist/photographer. I proudly teach Art and Drama at East Carter Middle School in Grayson, KY.
My journey to become a teacher was not a smooth one. My first love in life was not teaching, but was art. It didn't take long to realize I also loved photography. As a matter of fact I realized my second love in 4th grade when I won my very first camera through 4-H.
At 19 I had my first son and there were so many joyous smiles I needed to capture, but I no longer had a suitable camera. I was in college and worked as a waitress to buy my second, much nicer camera. I finished college with a degree in studio art. I was terrified of teaching, and at that time did not continue to get a teaching certificate.
In 2006 my dad died suddenly and I turned to writing as a way to cope. I wrote a story about him that was published in Woman's Day magazine. It was the April 19, 2010 issue. I was so proud, but never considered myself an actual writer. Writing had made a big difference in how I coped with my loss, and that was what was important.
I spent 7 years working in retail and doing photography on the side. There were many times, especially in job interviews throughout my life, that people would say, "You should have been a teacher." I would just smile and go on with my day. When I lost my retail job during the recession my husband told me to become a teacher. He encouraged me to get a teaching certificate and just go for it. I did, and I am so glad I finally did! I knew I was in the right place. Education classes felt right, it was the perfect place for me. I love my newfound job, my students and my school.
I turned to writing once again when my mother died of pancreatic cancer in January 2015. I knew it was a good time to apply for the Morehead Writing Project. I created a story about her struggle with cancer and lots of other stories about family members I have lost. Once again writing helped me to cope. When I write I am still creating, but instead of providing the visuals I provide the ingredients for others to visualize. I hope my writing touches your heart like it has mine, and I hope my new found confidence will help my students as writers of art.
