<b>By Shana Hirsch</b>

After more than a decade of teaching at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, I — time and time again — have the joy of sharing in student achievements. Every graduation, from my first row seat, I watch as students receive their diplomas and turn their tassels. Seeing their dreams come true is one of my favorite parts of teaching. Until recently, I would have said that I am only afforded this “front row” opportunity yearly.

[caption id="attachment_10911" align="alignleft" width="225"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Cover-Candice-and-Shana-e1366848832356.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-10911" alt="Right: “American Idol” contestant and St. Helena Island native Candice Glover is seen with the author, Shana Hirsch." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Cover-Candice-and-Shana-e1366848832356-225x300.jpg" width="225" height="300" /></a> Right: “American Idol” contestant and St. Helena Island native Candice Glover is seen with the author, Shana Hirsch.[/caption]

Just two weeks ago — sans sinfully hot robe, funny-looking cardboard hat and painful shoes — I, once again, found myself front and center watching the dreams of Candice Glover, one of my former students, take flight. Being a part of the studio audience in Los Angeles for Candice’s rendition of “Don’t Make Me Over” and her history-making performance of “Lovesong” was awe-inspiring. The audience’s energy, their cheering, and the minutes-long standing ovation personify what it means to “live your passion.”

Candice Glover deserves every accolade, standing ovation and glitter bomb. Most importantly, she deserves the American Idol 2013 title.  However, the ultimate decision rests in our hands, and, as a community, we have the power to “vote, vote, vote” Candice all the way to the grand finale she deserves.
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