Sandra McLeod Humphrey dreamed of being a dancer when she was younger. She took ballet but eventually made a career as a psychologist. Humphrey retired after 31 years in the field and started talking to students in schools.
One thing about those talks stuck in her mind, though. While she had dreamed of being a dancer, the kids she spoke to didn’t have dreams of their own.
“I just could not get over how many kids had just given up,” said Humphrey, who lives in Minnetonka near the Hopkins and St. Louis Park border.
That was the catalyst for two of Humphrey’s books—Dare To Dream!: 25 Extraordinary Lives and They Stood Alone!: 25 Men and Women Who Made a Difference.
The latter book—which had its official launch just last week following a November 2011 release—profiles 25 people Humphrey chose because they didn’t conform to societal expectations. She made a point to select a range of occupations, a variety of historical periods and both sexes.
It starts with Christopher Columbus and Leonardo da Vinci and runs through Jackie Robinson and Neil Armstrong—with people like Clara Barton, Marie Curie and Albert Einstein in between.
Meanwhile, Dare to Dream! tells the story of 25 ordinary people whose drive allowed them to accomplish extraordinary feats. It includes contemporary figures, such as Michael Jordan and Bill Cosby, and historical figures, such as Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Edison.
“I want these kids to know that even if they don’t fit in with the cool group, they can do great things,” she said.
Humphrey has written eight books total—all of them since she retired in 1997. While she may not be a dancer, she has no doubt she’s still living her dream.
“I discovered writing was always my dream. I just didn’t know,” Humphrey said.
Thank you so much for loving our world and caring about everyone the future of it's outcome. As you know from part of my book title, Extraordinary Dreams is what I believe in and I am in complete support of the tremendous influence you have been with our children and adults. Rosemary "Mamie" Adkins
I first met Sandy through the blog postings from Micki Peluso and was drawn into her world by what Micki wrote about her book. Being an African-American that came out of the ghetto life of the South, and is now living in Europe, I know how important it is to have role models; and to have people who point you to the fact that your achievements in life are not based on whether or not you are born with a silver spoon in your mouth. Since my encounter with Sandy through the book review, I have become more aware of what she is doing and how important it is for children, as well as adults, to widen their horizon by reading her books. Dreaming begins at home, but how can a child dream about achievement, if the parents have a hopeless view of life. Therefore, I see Sandy's book as a have to be read book not only for childrens, but for everyone and anyone who wants to move ahead and capture his purpose for life. We are all born with a purpose, and it is never too late to live it. The people in Sandy's book proclaimed that throughout their lifetime. They did not have an easy life. I remember reading about George Washington Carver as a child, and I can remember thinking if he could do it so could I. Finally, not only the people she has written about, but Sandy herself show us that it is never too late to move into your life calling and live your dream. Congratulations, Sandy. My heart rejoices with you. Ciao, Patricia