Life & Work with Sheryl Spencer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheryl Spencer. 

Hi Sheryl, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a three-generation Nashville native, and I attended several of Nashville’s private Catholic schools over the years (Overbrook to St. Cecilia) only to end up graduating with a double Studio Art/Education major from Belmont University. I was a semi-successful visual artist, quasi-professional actress/model (appearing in various local stage productions, student films, and country music videos), and highly social “gallery girl” at heart who somehow went into the teaching field because my mom wanted me to have a “real” career with health benefits. So, I became a reluctant Metro art teacher for two incredibly difficult years. It was by my third year stuck in the field that I somehow stumbled into a Special Education classroom and felt a strange new professional tug on my heart. This was just before I left teaching for the corporate world allure and worked as an admin assistant at Curb Records, a lousy radio air-space saleswoman at EMG, a freelance local magazine writer, and a variety of other dubious odd jobs. 

Yet I somehow ended up gradually working my way back into the educational field via a SPED endorsement from Cumberland University that took me from Genesis Academy, to LEAD Academy, to my current happy professional home at Tennessee School for the Blind. I now have a Master’s Degree in Teaching Visual Impairments and have spent the past four years working with Visually Impaired high school students and collaborating with like-minded teaching creatives. The irony of someone as visually driven as me working with visually-impaired students is certainly never lost on me, but I just chalk that up to the great serendipity of life itself. 

When I’m not busy teaching my students or coaching them in Forensics (I had to put all those old acting skills to use somehow!), I have a very active social life with my five-generation Nashville native husband who has worked with the state government 20+ years. I’m also a caricature artist, a local art/fashion scene enthusiast, far too occasional hiker/cyclist, and an ongoing social media maven who likes to use the platforms to explore all the local food/beverage/cultural options Nashville and other such glam cities offer. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Attempting to “find yourself” and your purpose when you don’t know how/where to start in the professional world is never easy. Being a jack of all trades/master of none is that cursed blessing for many, and for those of us right-brained creatives who feel a slight tug to find our place in a very left-brained professional world, the struggle is beyond real. I know exactly what it feels like to be looked down upon in the workplace simply for being oneself unapologetically. It took me many years and many extremely tough and humbling moments to finally feel like I truly *belong* somewhere in which my creative outlook on life is both celebrated and appreciated. Turns out that between all my professional failures along the way, I discovered that I have a knack for working with special needs students, which proves that you just never know where your talents may eventually lead you. 

Don’t ever give up and don’t ever feel like you have to stifle who you are just to do what you know you can do. And certainly, don’t ever let a job or personal loss make you feel like a failure: your mistakes are what help mold your successes, and it’s not about how many times you fall, but it’s about how many times you get up! 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’m a big advocate for “finding your tribe.” Don’t be afraid to reach out to new social/professional opportunities and to dip your toe into waters you may not have thought to ever explore: I think every one of us probably has unknown talents and skills hidden within! Sometimes it takes a good mentor and/or network to give you the confidence to explore these skills further. Life is a buffet: sample every flavor, taste every bite. 

Pricing:

• $75-$100 hourly

Contact Info:

• Email: sheryl.spencer@gmail.com
• Website: Sheryl Spencer
• Instagram: @sherylspencer
• Facebook: @CaricaturesBySheryl
• Other: www.flickr.com/photos/sherylspencer/albums

Image Credits
Sheryl Spencer