So how does one get from biology teacher to writer—not of things strictly biological, but of the more elusive “child and family well-being”? It starts with a journey through time and experience, some doors opening, others closing—and is driven by enough curiosity and perhaps a little courage to explore an unexpected door. That, and perhaps more than a little dumb luck, tempered with a bit of carpe diem.

Seize the day! Seize the moment! Take what life throws at you and run with it! And, while you are at it, keep an eye out for others along the way in need of a little push, a little mothering, a little TLC. You get back more than you give this way—not the least of which is the confidence to push through momentary (or longer) lapses of that confidence.

I’m a writer. I’m a writer because I was a biology teacher who became a mother who became a volunteer breastfeeding counselor who became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who discovered a gift for words through countless emails helping mothers to breastfeed. I’m a writer because out of all the “hats” I’ve worn over the years, writing is the thing that soothes my soul and makes me feel connected to the rest of the world.

I’m a writer because my fingers move over the keyboard and words appear on the screen and I get to see what I’m thinking. I’m a writer because it allows me to use my skills to help the lot of children and their families in a challenging world. I write—therefore I am. (apologies to Descartes)

© Melissa Clark Vickers 2009

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