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When I’d spy on my daughter in Kindergarten, she was often in the corner, struggling with her shyness. When the teacher called on her, her answer was a whisper. The first grade teacher gave the same feedback, on her fall report card was the request that she raise her hand more often.  Her first musical in the spring of first grade, The Wizard of Oz, was such a life-changing experience that her grandmother made her a commemorative quilt.  She had a very small part as one of the Yellow Brick Road Crew, a group of twelve kids ranging from grades 1-6. Being a key, valued member of this team that included upper graders was huge. She loved every minute of the production, and discovered a new confidence in herself.  A month later, when the lead of her classroom play announced that he didn’t know his lines, the teacher asked for a volunteer to take his place.  My little girl raised her hand, volunteered, and played the part with joy and confidence. I admit that I cried.