A story from C

I was a bright child who was born on a rural farm in Appalachia. Growing up, very often I would have thoughts and ideas that I wanted to share with others; looking around there would be no one who would understand or appreciate my thoughts.

I remember watching TNG on a small television by myself in the dark, loving the stars of the ending credits and would pretend to fly through space while watching. Once I was crying, wishing I was more like others as no one asked me to dances. Someone special told me that being gifted was like being a mutant in X-Men- it was my special power. I didn’t ask for it but I have to live with it, and it’s my choice what to do with it.

Captain Picard and Professor X became my role models. I still use them to guide my decisions when encountering unknown situations. Patrick Stewart has influenced my life in immeasurable ways, and I might not be here if it wasn’t for him and the power he put into his performances. Thanks, Patrick. I’m a professor myself now. And I look for those kids like us who didn’t have the best early life and try to give them hope, inspiration, and kindness like you did for me. Rest in peace 🖖