Dear Rosanne,
I wanted to write and thank you for your unending stance on the importance of alternative education. Twenty-three years ago, I was a student at SAIL. While I did not stay long enough to graduate, my experience there was a foundational anchor which has been a beacon in my educational journey both as a student and teacher for the next 20 plus years.

In December I completed my master of arts in Sunderland England and am looking forward to returning to the States to return to working in education. While this sounds like the happy ending to a long and interesting adventure, it is really only the tip of the iceberg. While the people at SAIL were there for me when I was 16, I was determined to head out on my own adventure. This adventure took me across the country and what began as an edgy youth adventure ended up with me as a young adult, no longer eligible for services available to youth. I was on the streets in San Francisco, a high school dropout, homeless and pregnant. While I was able to complete my education through another alternative school and move on to many years of more constructive life application, I saw firsthand the results of a number of diverse systems that failed many youth and the many youth who did not make it.

I have worked successfully in alternative educational venues for over 12 years, as a science education curriculum developer, as a sub for high needs and resource students and in continuing / returning adult education. I believe that education is the key to social justice and that every person, no matter their age, has a right to education that works for them by working with them.
I have also enjoyed many years of successfully working as a freelance photographer and in the professional entertainment industry.

I am looking forward to returning to Florida and exploring work in alternative and charter schools. I am particularly fond of the Steiner / Waldorf education but feel those schools are well funded and in no shortage of help. I would prefer to work within the public funded schools to help make changes and guide from within.

During my post-graduate studies I was privileged to research much of the work of photographers Zana Briski and Wendy Ewald, whose literacy and empowerment through photography for youth programs have been successfully integrated in many school districts and after-school programs throughout the United States and in developing countries. I hope to be able to participate in or create a similar program in my future work in education.
I believe that through expression in the arts, youth can be encouraged to dream, explore and build self-esteem as well as foster a creative approach to encouraging, skills in literacy, science and math. This core belief was formed from my exposure to the many wonderful ideas and people at SAIL.

This is why I wanted to thank you, and everyone who is there. What you do makes a difference. What you do made a difference to me. Thank you.

I hope to be exploring schools in Tallahassee and would love to come for a visit. Please let me know if it would be alright to come by and see your new facilities and see what you are doing. I would also like to hear your story on alternative education and whatever advice you are willing to share.

Looking forward to seeing you.
Peace and grand adventures !