
Tamika Burgess
Special to Valley News
August 2024 marks the fourth year I have partnered with Community Outreach Ministry (COM) to provide backpacks and school supplies to children in need. Ensuring children are adequately prepared for school so they don’t fall behind is important to me. By setting these children up for a successful school year, I can incorporate something I love, education, with meeting the needs of others.
As a lifelong learner, I understand the importance of being prepared and how it can help you achieve your goal. This happened in my own life when I decided to prepare myself to be an author. Preparation came by working on my writing skills, attending classes and conferences, and reading the writing of authors who I admire. That preparation led to the release of my




