Today we’d like to introduce you to Typhani Russo

Hi Typhani, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

Despite being shy, I spent most of my time growing up performing. My mom owned her own dance and twirling studio called Music in Motion Arts Center. I remember spending most days at her studio watching her students learn choreography and practice routines for an upcoming recital. I always loved being among them and often got a chance to perform with the older kids. Being able to look back at those memories we caught on VHS reminds me of my happy childhood and how fortunate I was.
When I wasn’t at the studio, I was at home with a book in my hands. My love for reading came from my dad who was an avid bookworm and showed me the value of reading. I excelled at reading from an early age and I have him to thank for that. He once made me recite the entire alphabet before being allowed to go outside to play. I am grateful for that day because it gave me the foundation I needed to become the writer, reader, and teacher I am today.
Being involved in the arts for so long throughout my elementary, middle, and high school career, I automatically assumed I’d want to go into a performing arts career professionally. However, after spending time at a college in New York, I realized that I had more to offer in terms of making a difference in the world.
For the last several years, I spent time modeling for various magazine publications and appeared on billboards in New York City and Las Vegas. I have also held many local, state, and national pageant titles. I still enjoy performing in musicals and singing at various events in my community, but my purpose in life is far more profound than entertaining an audience every day.
My trials and experiences finally led me to where I am today. Professionally, I am a teacher. However, I don’t believe that your profession defines you. I am more than just that. I am an author, illustrator, advocate, animal lover, performer, bookworm, and world traveler, and I recently founded my own non-profit, Bookworms Against Bullies.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” — Napoleon Hill
The road to becoming a teacher was a difficult one for sure. I worked as a substitute for seven years and kept being overlooked for a full-time position. Administrators constantly told lies about why I wasn’t being hired, claiming it was because “someone was more qualified.” The truth was always nepotism. The teachers hired were right out of college with zero experience, but they knew someone who was on the school board. When I grew exhausted from the political world of education, I accepted a job as a librarian at my local library. Being able to discuss and recommend books to patrons every day was such a joy. In 2018, my luck finally changed, and into the teaching field, I officially went!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

Currently, I am a 4th grade teacher. I have been in this profession full-time for seven years. Having won the Crystal Apple award in a national contest is one of my proudest moments. The recognition I received from winning this national award gave me the reassurance that what I am doing as a teacher is worthwhile and that I am making a difference. While I still continue to pursue my other passions, teaching gives me the fulfillment that I need to feel a purpose in life. Sometimes I am the only person a child has to talk to, look up to, or rely on. Being able to inspire my students to learn empathy, compassion, and global-mindedness is what I love most about my job. It is my hope that they then can put these lessons into practice and continue to pay it forward throughout their lives.

What were you like growing up?

Funnily enough, my personality growing up was different than my personality now. The majority of the bullying I endured took place between elementary school and high school. During that time period, I was mostly an introvert. I was shy and kept to myself because I was afraid of the backlash I would get from the people around me. I was a competitive twirler and dancer outside of school, traveling to competitions often. I was also a singer, played the piano and flute, and got gigs throughout the state. I used those talents in school as well, participating in the jazz ensemble, vocal ensemble, district and regional chorus, orchestra, majorettes, and dance team. Because I was talented and involved with so many activities, a lot of girls, especially those involved in the same groups, were very jealous of me. That green-eyed monster appeared quite frequently in the form of vicious cruelty. However, having many interests kept me busy and my hobbies gave my mind the escape it needed away from the trauma of people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bookwormsagainstbullies.com
• Instagram: bookworms_against_bullies
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BookwormsAgainstBullies/