When I entered middle school, I used to watch a bunch of impressionists on TV, and I would perform on stage as an impressionist. I was well received. 


When I was in 7th grade, the English teacher, Ms. Emanuelle, would have us do three different speeches, to educate, to persuade, and to entertain. My speeches were about building model kits, drawing cartoons, and doing impersonations. I would enjoy doing the latter as I would impersonate well-known celebrities, such as well-known movie or TV actors or politicians.


My problem in both 7th and 8th grade was I was still shy, particularly of the opposite sex. I was unaware that the gals were not really into me, that they were just teasing me because I was girl-shy.


However, ninth grade would be the time that I would be able to share my impressionist talents. It started when we had a summer school drama class, and then I was able to be a part of a drama class in ninth grade. I was asked to be a part of a show called "Child Of The Universe", where I would do the impersonations of Ed Sullivan, John Wayne, Elvis Presley and then President Jimmy Carter. The whole show was recorded on closed circuit TV so I got to see myself.