Wednesday, February 25, 2009

An American Dream Realized?


When I found out that the youngest sister one of my close college friends had tried out for American Idol, I cannot say I was surprised. I remember lil Jasmine at nine years old, and while I did not know American Idol could be her avenue to stardom, I knew eight years ago that if anyone from Mississippi was going to “make it big,” it would be lil Jasmine. The more I think about Jasmine, who performs tonight on American Idol, the more it dawns on me what this would actually mean.

I first meet ‘lil Jasmine Murray when she was nine and I knew that she was destined for stardom. She was in Wal-Mart with her older sister Andrea. She simply radiated with personality. Now seventeen, that personality has been coupled with a beautiful voice, the sweetest face, and a gifted intellect.

A student at the renowned Mississippi School for the Humanities, Jasmine has already defied odds through the effort of her hard work and determination. Reared by a loving, but dedicated mother, Jasmine is the youngest of five (three sisters, one brother, all college degreed honor graduates). She loves purple, Miley Cyrus, all kinds of music (including Gospel and Country), and thin crust cheese pizza.

In many ways, Jasmine is just like every good kid I teach- well-mannered, hard working, but passionate and hungry for more than what life has offered.

I cannot wait to see her on American Idol tonight and see if her American dream will come to fruition.


Until Gatsby rises again...

Your Favorite Teacher

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