i Write
......from within
Hello and thanks for visiting my site - i Write - hosted by WritersOwnWords.com. I finally decided to introduce myself as a writer/author/entrepreneur to the world because it's my calling and passion to write! Frankly, I just love writing, researching, and learning and that's all the reason I need. I could give you plenty reasons why I've waited so long to start publishing my thoughts, but it really doesn't matter. There's nothing like the right time - and that time has come. The illusion of fear (false evidence appearing real) is the reason I've procrastinated for so long. As a young elementary school student, I recall not wanting my teachers to call my name to read, out loud, in class because I didn't read very well. I had no problem whatsoever with math, but reading was definitely a challenge. Scared of being teased by my peers, whenever I was called upon to read, I'd act up so I could get out of having to embarrass myself. As time progressed, I was blessed to meet an outstanding instructor who taught high school Advanced Placement English (APE).
You may wonder, as I did at the time, what would an under achiever, in English, be doing enrolled in such a challenging class. Obviously Mr. Sanders, who resigned after the conclusion of my senior year in high school (1987) to begin a new career as a professor at the University of California - Los Angeles [UCLA], saw something in me that I had not seen in myself. For this, I will forever be grateful to him, and Coach Williams, for encouraging me to write. Everyday after practice (football and baseball) they would open their class rooms and allow me to practice my reading, note taking, research, and writing skills. With dedication and weeks of practice, before I knew it, they encouraged me to enter my first essay scholarship contest; placing second among many local high school seniors. I was a student-athlete and only performed, in the class room, well enough to remain eligible to play high school sports.
Had it not been for athletics, I probably would have found a way to stay out of school as much as possible. In my mind, the dream of one day becoming a professional athlete was the only priority worth pursuing. I attended a high school, in the inner city of Los Angeles, California, which claims more professional football athletes than any other school in the Los Angeles Unified School District [LAUSD]. Dorsey High is also a school known for it's successes in the California Academic Decathlon. Having placed high in the essay scholarship contest, earning straight A's in typing class, and posting a senior year grade point average [GPA] of 3.916; I was finally convinced that I could hold my own as a college freshman the following semester.
After attending Cal-State University Long Beach [CSULB], Dominguez Hills [CSUDH], and Los Angeles Trade Technical College [LATTC], I've continued reading, writing, and researching, with great pleasure in pursuit of finding my voice! I have a passion for independent study, research and writing. After resigning as the Senior Technical Assistant to the Budget Director, Deputy Chief & Chief Financial Officer(s) of the second largest school district in the United States, LAUSD, I finally decided to dedicate many hours at the University of Southern California's [USC] library to write my first book (currently in production). Until, and after, the book's release, I am making myself available for [writing] services to include articles, business & personal letters, reviews, ads, commercial rap jingles, designing business operational forms & logos, and social commentary blogging. Basically, if it has to be written or created, I can type it or formulate the idea!
T. F. Hodge - Writer/Author/Entrepreneur
