Beginning her education in the segregated school system of the late 1960s in North Texas, Myrtle Thompson-Johnson remembers the inspiration that those times gave her to bring her to the opportunities and responsibilities she has today."There were many changes and challenges we went through during that time, which was bittersweet," she said."Yes, with integration we came to a newer building and had more resources from which to pull, but there was a time when both the blacks and whites had to get used to with the change in community at the school."The deputy district director for Rep. Chet Edwards' Waco office remembered witnessing physical altercations between students once integration initially made its way to Waxahachie High School."There was anger, frustration and anxiety from both groups of students," she said."But eventually the students and community, through discussion and meetings, understood that integration was the new reality."From Waxahachie to Waco, with links to Washington, to a recent move to Temple, Mrs. Johnson has continued to emphasize the importance of people getting involved with the community, staying involved and pushing toward awareness and change in all aspects of life."It was back then, making the transition from a segregated school to an integrated one, that I learned the importance of taking advantage of all my opportunities and being involved in the processes of change and improvement," she said.Before Mrs. Johnson read and researched those individuals responsible for the advancement of black people in this country, she said her initial role models were seen at home in her parents."My parents encouraged us to have pride in ourselves and to take full advantage of all our opportunities," she said.During her high school career, Mrs. Johnson, one of eight children, said she took every chance she could to be involved in various organizations including serving as junior class president, membership in the National Honor Society and the drill team. by Nicole Edwards