Bette grew up in a southern home over in Little Rock, Arkansas, with two brothers, one older, one younger, the weight of being ‘mommy’s little girl’ was on her shoulder. Bette attended local youth groups on the weekends, and during the week she volunteered at her school to help with the deaf community meetings, while also working with her schools MD (Multiple Disability) class. Bette’s passion was to give back to those in need, and to make those with special needs to feel as normal and accepted as she did. She was the vice president of the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance), being as she was an openly bisexual teenager, the only people she weren't out to were her hardcore Christian household, of course. At eighteen years old, Bette moved out to the city of Los Angeles, California, to be with a woman she fell in love with, Jamie. Jamie was 5′6 and had as much passion for giving back as Bette did. Little did Bette know, she gave back alright, she definitely had fun giving back when it came to Bette’s older brother who would come up to visit almost every other weekend because he ‘missed his little sis.’ Bette, now knowing about Jamie and Michael’s affair, eventually cut ties with both of them, causing Michael to out her and her mother and father coming down for a surprise visit.
During Bette’s parents coming down, Bette rushed to get every excuse to get out of the house, but her parents caught on. At this point, they were shocked and agitated. They used the usual lines of a disappointed parent when you do something they don’t approve of. Bette had never backlashed on her parents, she blanked, she began to blame her parents for never being there, for having to be a teen mom to her younger brother, and also throwing on the weight of having to always be good enough. The last thing she remembers was getting that movie scene slap in the face from her father. Followed by her mother storming out crying. She hasn’t spoken to them since, but she keeps in touch with her not-so-younger brother.
THE BECOMING OF A TEACHER.
Bette has always believed in the influence on younger children, and how important education can be to those who have no one to provide it. Bette also believes in the equality of the sexes, and is inspired to give not only knowledge to those younger than her, but advice. Bette wasn’t in a hell hole when it comes to childhood, but it definitely wasn't the prettiest thing she could've been going through. She’s continuing to teach the language that she knows best, American Sign, and tries to connect with her students in the way she dreamt of having. Day by day, Bette is rekindling her belief in love, while recovering from the isolation of her parents. But, LAAPA is going to hit her with a profound love and acceptance she’s not yet experienced.
