Dr. Mary Virginia Shelton, PhD

I saw you when I was just 11, and if I hadn't, I wouldn't be here today. My life did not get easier. In fact, it got unbearably more difficult. My mom lost custody of me and my father refused to take me back to you. But you managed, in that time, to teach me how to survive and to try to understand other people. You taught me how to examine myself. I couldn't always control my feelings, but I could, eventually, understand them. I couldn't fix my environment, but I could show my younger siblings the things you showed me and be the person I wanted my parents to be for me. Without my time with you, I would've been a much angrier person. A much less patient person. I don't know if a person like that could've made it through the dark times I've had. You made me interested in my mind and in the minds of others. I'm often complimented on my "emotional intelligence" by therapists, psychiatrists, and my peers. I know on some level that was in me, but you gave it life and strength and… purpose. I've never for one moment forgotten your name or your office or the conversations we had while we played chess. Thank you, Dr. Shelton. -Amanda Caperton