I can be an awkward fan girl at times. It happens when I meet someone who I admire so much, respect what they have done or created, and believe I am truly not on the same playing field as they are. They have done something truly spectacular that has touched many -- me among them -- and I have... well... not. My first truly awkward fan girl moment was when I met Jeff Galloway. He is an incredible, kind man who is an amazing, supportive running coach. Many runners use the "Galloway method" to train for and complete many running races. This guy is incredible. As it was my turn to meet him, I became a tongue tied 13 year old, giggling and unsure what to say. (Mind you, I was in my late 30s at the time.) My second fan girl moment was not much less embarrassing. I was able to meet Donalyn Miller. Her advocacy for student reading utilizing self-selected titles to help create life, long readers (or Wild Readers as she calls them) is inspirational. My hope is to make her ideas a reality for my students. When I met her this year, it took 2 colleagues to convince me to get my photo with her. A friend who knew I was there, and knew another person also at the conference, was able to get a book autographed for me. (I might have squealed when I got the book.) There are times I've skipped out on being a fan girl. Each of them I have to completely regretted it afterwards. I had the opportunity to meet Maggie Stiefvater... and bailed. My "I'm too big a dork" stopped me; I 100% regret it. (Again I was lucky enough to have a friend get a book autographed for me. This means not only am I lucky, I am a blathering fan girl!) This fall was not the first time I had the opportunity to meet Donalyn Miller. A few years back I was at a conference where Donalyn Miller was a presenter. Did I say hello? No, I totally freaked out and didn't introduce myself. I kicked myself afterwards. What I have taken from those moments, both the missed opportunities and the lucky meetings, is just go be the fan. The person you are so excited to me is typically just as excited to meet you. Don't regret missed opportunities. That's why when e. E. Charlton-Trujillo, author of Fat Angie and Fat Angie Rebel Girl Revolution was going to be at October 2019 Ohioana -- I went. I adore e. E. I adore Fat Angie. I'm not sure which I would rather have a tea with. (Yes, I know Fat Angie is fictional.) While I was there I spoke with Sharon Draper, Margaret Peterson Haddix and David Wanczyk. Each was truly personable and glad to meet me. We discussed their books and I was able to get a copy autographed. It was wonderful -- and I am glad I spoke with each of them. I did not wimp out and yes, I spoke with e. E Charlton-Trujillo. Was I once again an awkward fan girl, blathering on and on? Oh yes. Was e. E. gracious and kind? Oh yes. Moral of the story: go be a fan and meet those who inspire you. It will be an amazing experience for both of you.
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