“Persevere, even when you don’t feel like it, even when circumstances around you make it difficult for you to reach your dreams or your aspirations. Don’t give up what you’re trying to achieve. I’ve had some situations where I had to learn to do that. There were goals that I set for myself, but they did not come when I wanted them to. I had to learn not to give up on my goals, that they would come to pass eventually. My motto is a delay is never a denial. Even though things may be delayed that we’re seeking, it doesn’t mean that we’re going to be denied.” – Maggie Wright of Roanoke

“I’m an educator. This would be my 14th year. I teach eighth grade English Language Arts. I love learning, so I take that same inspiration that I enjoy and I try to infiltrate that onto my students. I feel like I make a difference because teachers are not only educators, but you’re also mentors. We are able to steward kids in the direction that some of them may go. They can be anything that they want to be. No matter what the circumstances are, no matter their environment, if they have a goal, they can reach that goal, no matter what.”

Maggie Wright loves living in Roanoke where she has found the people to be friendly and supportive. (Tamika Moore / People of Alabama)

Wright and her husband moved to Roanoke to be closer to family.

“The people are absolutely friendly. Everybody tries to help each other. If someone can do anything for you, they’re offering right away. It’s a people-friendly town.”

These are the faces and stories of people from all walks of life who call Alabama home. People of Alabama is a Red Clay Media and Alabama NewsCenter partnership.