~ True Story ~
“The memories we leave behind are the most precious gifts that we can give to one another.” ~ Miss Rose
Michele MacShane, is an actress, singer/songwriter, voice-over artist, and writer. She has been actively involved in the entertainment industry since the age of five. She is a proud member of SAG/AFTRA/ACTORS EQUITY/ASCAP and a board member for Humanity Shines Organization.
The world is filled with heartache, pain and inequality. A world we were born into with no guarantees. You can choose to hide or believe that you have the resilience and fortitude to get through whatever life throws at you one day at a time. Our contributions, no matter how small or great, aid in determining our country’s destination. Several years ago, I created the role of an 1880’s schoolteacher, Miss Anna Rose. A strong, compassionate and determined fighter, she pursues her dream while on a journey to a new land of teaching children from different cultures, races, languages and backgrounds. A place where we can learn from one another despite our differences. I am currently in the beginning stages of writing a short story of this valiant woman’s quest, searching for a secure haven of peace.
During the Great New York City Fire that broke out in lower Manhattan on July 19, 1845 (I happen to share the same birthday), 700 buildings were destroyed, and many lives were lost. Five of those who perished in the fire were 15-year-old Anna Rose’s family: her mother, father, a 13-year-old brother and two 8-year-old twin sisters. The family’s printing company was also lost. Anna was the only one to make it out of their apartment building alive. She tried desperately to get her family out of the smoke-filled building, but couldn’t see or breathe through the dark, and heavy smoke. The last thing she saw at the window were her precious identical twin sisters frantically screaming for help. A helpless vision that Anna would carry with her for the rest of her life.
Anna lived the rest of her teen years with her aunt in Massachusetts, while pursuing a career for her passion in education (her mother’s profession.) She never recovered from the devastation of losing her family and lived with years of guilt and confusion of not being able to save her family. It was then that she read an article in a newspaper, that teachers were needed in the mid-west region as a result from the significant wave of immigration from numerous European countries. She hesitantly applied for the position, knowing that men dominated the teaching field, and was selected for the job. A new beginning of hope, a time to heal and a chance for a new life, overwhelmed her. An opportunity to help children from different cultures unlock their dreams…a chance of a well-rounded education. Traveling alone, Miss Anna Rose was about to set out on an adventure beyond her wildest dreams.
Michele MacShane, Writer
warriorwomanspirit.com 