Meet Sandra Walters | Our Inspiring Stories Publisher / Editor/Writing Coach/Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandra Walters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandra, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
My aspiration to become a teacher began in the second grade. School was my safe haven, a place where I could escape the challenges in my life by focusing on learning. However, that year I missed 30 days of school, which sparked a personal goal—not to miss another day. From then on, I aimed for perfect attendance each year.

I vividly remember my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Christian, who treated all of us like we were her own children. Her classroom felt like a home. I remember the week before Thanksgiving, in which she cooked turkey and dressing for us. It was as if she knew for some of us this might be the only real Thanksgiving meal, we’d have that year. School gave me the freedom to simply be a child, without the weight of adult responsibilities. This feeling nurtured my dream of becoming a teacher. I would spend summers playing school, and this continued until eighth grade. In high school, I joined the Future Teachers of America and stayed involved for all four years.

Throughout middle and high school, I had incredible English teachers, but one stood out: Mr. Gordon Henry, my junior English teacher. I thought he was a genius. He graduated from Yale and chose to teach at my inner-city school in Fort Worth, TX. Mr. Henry’s passion for language and writing inspired me deeply. The writing process and grammar rules always felt intuitive to me, and his encouragement came at a time when I needed it most, though he never realized how much his affirmations meant to me. By the time I was ready for college, there was no doubt in my mind—I was going to be an English teacher.

I attended the University of North Texas and earned my bachelor’s degree in education. Initially, it felt unreal that I was getting paid to do something I loved so much—teaching language arts. Over the course of my 24-year career in education, I had the opportunity to work with students from elementary through high school. Many of the children I encountered came from broken homes, and I quickly realized how emotional struggles could hinder the learning process. I desired to help these students and the inner child in adults who also came from dysfunctional families, so I wrote the memoir Secrets…Why Was I Born in This Family? and later created a companion journal.

The memoir encourages readers to reflect on their own stories, while the journal offers a safe space for the inner child to express frustrations through writing. As a child, I believed I was alone in my struggles, but through the stories of friends and students, I came to realize that many families face similar challenges. Most people just don’t talk about it. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to break free from the silence.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being a teacher for many years and becoming an author led me to create a book club. I didn’t initially know that I would go in this direction, but as I continued to move forward, it made sense to facilitate a group of people who desired guidance in dealing with complex family dynamics. I’m not a counselor, so I guide like a teacher.

We read the memoir “Secrets…Why Was I Born In This Family?” along with journaling in the companion journal to assist readers with processing various situations. Whether a person hides his or her struggles or expresses them openly, this valuable resource and class helps people navigate through challenges. We often bury tough memories to survive, sometimes met with negativity when we try to discuss them. Even after attempts to resolve conflicts, the underlying family narrative resurfaces. This independent study or book club allows people to take a moment to reflect on their reactions and find solutions as layers are peeled back. It helps to have like-minded people so that no one feels alone.

Join us on this transformative journey of self-discovery by reaching out to Sandra on Facebook or Instagram or purchasing a book on Amazon to complete an independent study. We are a private group that meets on Zoom. Participants may attend with their cameras off. To ensure this is a safe place, Sandra Walters interviews each possible member, shares a syllabus, and enforces group norms.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend coming to visit, I would take them to Flying Squirrel Coffee Company in downtown Mansfield. This coffee is excellent, and the environment exudes warmth because the owner and baristas are out of this world. They are interested in people. And it is seen in their smiles and the way they deliver drinks. For brunch, I would take my friend(s) to The Mill. The food is delicioso! I enjoy shrimp & grits, brisket steak & eggs, or slow, smoked brisket eggs Benedict. Finally, after eating, we could exercise by driving to Sundance Square in Fort Worth to walk off some of our indulgence. In downtown Fort Worth, this is a lively spot for shopping and entertainment. We can benefit from the beautiful plaza, which often hosts live music, other events, and, of course, food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As I reflect on the incredible people who have positively shaped my life, the list feels endless. While writing this, so many individuals come to mind. However, my ability to read, write, and think critically was deeply nurtured during my time at World Missionary Baptist Church. There, the Caver family—comprised of the pastor, his wife, and their children—played a significant role. They were remarkable educators who instilled in me not only academic knowledge but also life skills and an appreciation for the arts. I absorbed everything they taught, and their talent and intelligence were undeniable.

At the age of 15, the Caver family extended an extraordinary act of kindness. They offered my sister and me the opportunity to live with them, essentially rescuing us during a challenging time. They treated us like their own children, covering our expenses and giving us a safe and loving home. Now that I am a parent myself, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for what they did. I watched them live out their faith, embodying the principles they taught. Even today, as I navigate life, I often find myself drawing on the lessons they imparted.

Next, I celebrate my friendships. In the past, I struggled to recognize people as true friends, but that has changed. I now have a close-knit group who taught me the value of connection. It took me a while to open up and let others into my world, but today, I am appreciative for the sense of belonging they provide. These friends serve as my accountability partners, helping me process situations through what I like to call “lunch therapy”. Simply talking to a friend or a trusted group aids me in the healing process. I believe “Iron sharpens Iron.”

Lastly, I am deeply thankful for my immediate family—my husband, Trent Walters, and our children, Brendan, and Kensley Walters. I am blessed to share life with them, and they continue to make me a better person. I cherish our conversations, especially now as I get to hear the thoughtful, adult voices of my children. Every day, I learn and grow through our experiences together, and I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of spending quality time with family.

Website: https://sandraannwalters.com

Instagram: @ourinspiringstories

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Youtube: @sandrawalters8944

Image Credits
Brendan Walters, photographer
Tamika McNac, Hair Stylist