#teambigbird

Its no secret I didnt have the best childhood...

But through TV I had wonderful influences and friends.

I had Julia Child, who helped inspire me later in life to attend culinary school. She is still one of my greatest influences. 

I used to take my crayons and paints and markers and color along with the amazing Bob Ross.

I learned the meaning of "I Love You" from Kaptain Kangaroo.

Mr Rogers taught me to tie my shoes and treat others with kindness.

Sesame Street taught me to count and spell, as well as sing and dance. And of course how to stop and use a cross walk!

The Letter People taught me my alphabet.

Wishbone and Reading Rainbow read me stories and helped me use my imagination.

Nova fed my love for animals and nature.

Masterpiece Theater fed my love for literature.

And of course all of the musicals and classic Hollywood movies that ran day after day, being glued to the TV and learning to sing along with My Fair Lady, Singing in the Rain, and The King and I. Because of this I would go on to years of theater!

Most of all, PBS introduced me to my passion and life. When I was a kid I was flipping channels when I heard the loudest forte in my life! That forte was the famous company front of the Madison Scouts. Yes, DCI coming from PBS. For many years PBS featured DCI finals. LIVE. And for every single year after I was right there. Watching. Marveled. Because of PBS I fell in love with marching and music. I would find the 1 thing in the world that makes me the most happy and inspired.

SO why do we need PBS?

I want my kids to someday have these same amazing memories. In a world where teachers are underpaid and schools are failing they NEED to fall in love with learning these amazing channels like PBS. FREE channels. 

Thank you PBS, for giving me the happiest memories of my life.