A day in the life of a future politician in Washington, DC.
Dreams and Aspirations
As a retired elementary school music teacher, I’ve had students I won’t ever forget. One of those is Tremayne Smith. A well-mannered, outgoing student, Tremayne developed a love for music in elementary school, dreaming of being a high school band director one day.
As a freshman entering East Carolina University, Tremayne declared his major as music, but during his sophomore year it looked like his career might take a detour when he became interested in politics. That interest became stronger after working for the Obama presidential campaign and is when Tremayne decided to earn a double major in political science and music.
His hard work didn’t go unnoticed because after graduation, he was offered a position in North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan’s office in Washington, DC. During that year, he met many dignitaries, including President Barack Obama, even sharing a private conversation with the President on Father’s Day at the famous Thomas Sweet Ice Cream Shop in historic Georgetown.
The glitz, glamour and lights of Washington, however, could not subdue Tremayne’s desire to return to his first love of music. His three years as a teacher at Rocky Mount High School in Rocky Mount, North Carolina made a difference with students working hard to achieve the degree of excellence their teacher and mentor expected. Loving both music and politics, when the opportunity came to go back to Washington, DC, Tremayne struggled with leaving the classroom, but knew destiny was knocking on his door.
The following is what Tremayne posted on my Facebook page, December 29th, 2015. Mrs. McCullough I have been awarded a George Washington University music scholarship for Wind Ensemble and Orchestra as I pursue my Masters in Political Management. I wanted to thank you, my first music teacher at Cleveland Elementary School for introducing me to organized music. Your influence continues on.
Vicki Williams and Tammy Reyes must have been excited when they saw that same message on their Facebook page. Tremayne was a band student of Ms. Williams at West Rowan Middle School, and Ms. Reyes at West Rowan High School.
The love of music and all it has to offer including a scholarship has been the stepping stone to broaden Tremayne’s view of the world, giving him the confidence through performance to achieve other goals. His desire now is to make a difference, not only in the classroom, but on the national scene in the political realm, with hopes of someday being President.
Thinking about his career as a teacher and a politician, Tremayne said, Being a public-school educator was one of the high points of my life. Having a one-on-one daily interaction, with a hand in shaping and molding the next generation has been my motivation. And, much like then to now, working in Congress and as a student Senator at the George Washington University, I am in it for the outcome, not the income.
A young man with motivation to succeed in everything he does, Tremayne has all the attributes to be President. Not only is he smart, but he cares about others and has a heart to serve. I can’t wait to see where life takes him and I can’t wait to say I taught the President of the United States of America. By the way, when Tremayne was in third grade, he sang in a school-wide performance the song, You Can Grow Up to Be President.
Congratulations, Tremayne on your success. God bless.
In two weeks I plan to write a follow-up blog about Tremayne and his twin brother, Dewayne, and how they honor their mother ( a single-parent) through their life choices.
Do you know someone who is making a difference in the lives of others? Leave a comment below, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
