Sunburned Pigs and Other Trivia: Leadership and Sundry Thoughts

By Dr. Maria M. Shelton

Dr. Maria Shelton is an accomplished academic leader who has enjoyed a fascinating journey through life to date. Through it all, she has learned to embrace the humor that can be found in every experience, both good and bad.

Dr. Shelton begins by retelling some of her most poignant life experiences from birth to present that include stories that detail the heartbreak of alcoholism, the love of family, the challenges of living with PTSD, and the long and arduous journey to earn a doctorate and ultimately professional success in the world of academia and beyond. After sharing a glimpse into her disappointments and victories, Dr. Shelton shifts from her personal story to offering thirty-plus leadership commandments that teach others how to laugh at themselves, listen more than talk, dress for success, confidently shake hands, encounter an angry person, and coach leaders.

Sunburned Pigs and Other Trivia shares a retelling of one woman’s journey through life and the lessons she learned while embracing both the joys and disappointments that accompanied a life well lived.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9781532059421

Dr. Maria M. Shelton

Dr. Maria M. Shelton earned a leadership doctorate from Texas A&M University. She has led a wide array of leadership roles in education and founded her own company, always serving as a change agent to foster positive cultures. Dr. Shelton is a dedicated Texas Aggie whose publications include several books and over sixty journal articles. She resides in College Station, Texas, with Stella Marie, her King Charles spaniel.

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Copyright © 2018 Dr. Maria M. Shelton.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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ISBN: 978-1-5320-5943-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-5942-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018912028

iUniverse rev. date: 10/15/2018

CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter One

Bumpy Beginning

Chapter Two

Lord Be with Her, if She is Stupid

Chapter Three

Pretty Full of Myself

Chapter Four

A Troubled Man

Chapter Five

Your Mom Blows You Away

Chapter Six

Sixties and Seventies

Chapter Seven

Failure to Bond

Chapter Eight

Teaching, Counseling and Leading

Chapter Nine

Heartbreak in T’Town

Chapter Ten

Fun and Sun and More

Chapter Eleven

Licking My Wounds

Chapter Twelve

Kyla and Courtney, My Heartbeats

Chapter Thirteen

A Fatal Mistake

Chapter Fourteen

Two Reasons for Living

Chapter Fifteen

Petey, my Soulmate

Chapter Sixteen

Leadership Trivia, But not Really

Chapter Seventeen

Oops, I Forgot Several Things

Chapter Eighteen

That’s It Folks!

PREFACE

This book begins with funny title, but encompasses poignant life experiences from birth to present. Everything from children, alcoholism, family, wolves, politics, chickens, bulimia, misogyny, PTSD, pigs, harassment, bond, divorce, heartbreak, marathons, doctorate, death, dismissal, depression, Glock 19, leadership, and sexual assault, in no particular order. From personal life, book shifts to 30+ leadership lessons, learned the hard way and in some cases, not learned and finally, wraps up with Thanks for Stopping By. Oops, I failed to mention abundant humor abounds throughout book or at least, I think it is abundant! Enjoy!

Dedication

to Janie Cadena, my oldest and best friend!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janie Cadena writes….

What can I say about Maria? We have been friends since we were teens. There was gap of years as we went in different directions with our lives. She went on to earn her doctorate and become very successful in education field, which is no surprise to anyone who has known her. She is a fireball who doesn’t allow anyone or anything to get in the way of her goals, as evidenced by her success.

Maria is a great friend as long as one can appreciate her forthrightness! I laugh to myself as I write this because that is one things I enjoy. It also goes right along with her wicked sense of humor. You can’t be her friend if you are a namby-pamby, she wouldn’t allow that. She wants people to have an opinion or policy and that makes her a great leader. What a great role model she makes!!!

Courtney Criswell writes….

My aunt Maria is one of the most influential people in my life. Her love for humanity and education never cease to amaze me. Her passion for promoting equality and diversity were established within my own values at a very young age. Maria has spent most of her life educating young people on the importance of leadership. She once told me, If you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything. Maria brings out the best in people who have the drive and initiative to succeed. Her motivational efforts to see people prosper have no boundaries. She inspired me to attend college and because of her continued support, I am currently pursuing my dream in becoming a health care provider.

It is my absolute pleasure to preface this book and I hope the people who read her story become encouraged by her inspirational views on life.

Kyla Williamson….

My aunt Maria has served many roles in my life, but I find her most notable roles as being my mentor, my friend, and my biggest fan. I’m forever grateful for diverse opportunities she has exposed me to and for her commitment to making education a large part of my life. Maria loves openly and accepts all types of people wholeheartedly (with the exception of Trump and UT fans) and she has never known a stranger. Maria has dedicated her life to leadership, education, Texas A&M University, and helping others. It is my honor to preface this book in my aunt Maria’s name. May all those who read it understand her commitment and dedication

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Matt, Kayla, Maria, Courtney. Texas A&M Legacy Foundation Luncheon

INTRODUCTION

Should pigs wear sunburn protection? Should pigs wear hats? Should pigs wear sunglasses? Should we do more for pigs, besides eat them? Read book to learn reason for title: Sunburned Pigs. Smile!

The first part of book details my different life, important leadership trivia and closing thoughts. Leadership points aren’t trivia, but I liked the way it sounded with Sunburned Pigs! Book is candid, honest and insightful. Humor, a leadership must, is generously included.

CHAPTER ONE

Bumpy Beginning

I, Maria, (pronounced Mariah) was born in San Antonio, on October 7, 1947. Upon leaving hospital, it was pouring rain, so my Dad (Webb) went to get car, but instead of picking us up he went to beer joint. Three hours later he returned drunk and drove us home. Mom and I were rain soaked, though I don’t remember details. My early life was bumpy, but extended family facilitated smooth sailing.

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Maria on barrel horse

My early life was enhanced by grandmothers, great grandmother, great grandfather,