Debbie Phelps
This raven-haired mom, who skyrocketed to her own fame through her unwavering poolside support of Michael’s swimming prowess at the 2009 Olympic Games in Beijing, has overcome significant odds to become the woman she is today. She grew up in a blue collar family in rural western Maryland. Debbie was a self-described tomboy with big dreams before attending Fairmont State College in West Virginia.
In college, she investigated several sororities before deciding to pledge Phi Mu in 1971, which turned out to be a life-changing decision. One of the things that impressed Debbie most about Phi Mu was the diversity of its membership. She remembers the Fraternity as a rich,
exciting “melting pot of people” that included cheerleaders, student leaders and rising thespians. She has fond memories of appearing in an Alice in Wonderland skit during rush,
playing the spoons in the Washboard Band and serving as chapter president while planning her wedding.
Many years later, this proud alumna cherishes her Phi Mu collegiate experience and says the Fraternity helped give her the confidence and the skills for future success in life. “The bonding was so important,” she enthused. “You always need that inner circle in your life.”
Debbie returned to her alma mater earlier this year as a commencement speaker, offering words of wisdom to the graduating class at Fairmont State. Wherever she travels, Debbie meets Phi Mus who make her feel right at home. Sisters at campuses across the country
have given her bracelets and banners, celebrating their common bond. “When you are on the highest mountain or in the lowest valley, your sisters are there,” she said. “That’s what sisterhood is all about.”
A successful middle school principal in Baltimore, Debbie began her career in education as a teacher at Havre de Grace Middle School in 1974 and quickly rose from teacher to team leader to department chair, ultimately playing a key role in administration. Over the course of her distinguished career, Phelps has developed a state-of-the-art food science lab, implemented award-winning nutrition curriculum and spearheaded the launch of two middle schools.
This busy principal, motivational speaker, mother and grandmother recently published a book, A Mother for All Seasons, which recounts her own journey in life and includes advice for other moms. A candid memoir defined by Debbie’s indefatigable spirit, A Mother For All Seasons encourages women to support their children at every stage of their development and in every after-school activity. This honest, insightful book offers homegrown wisdom and provides a welcome lesson that life may not always turn out the way we planned, but that we are each blessed with plentiful opportunities for success.
Debbie recounts the low points her in life, including the dark time when she and her husband divorced. This nononsense mother found herself in the unexpected position of being a single parent to three kids. “I wasn’t going to let my children down,” she recalled. “I had to keep a positive attitude. Positivity is wonderful – it’s contagious.”
Through the years, this devoted mom raised her three children with a loving heart and strong guidance, earning her master’s degree in Education Management and Supervision from Loyola College in Maryland along the way. Debbie remains extremely close with her children, still hugging them and letting them know how much she loves them. “My kids are never on their own,” she said. “We always pull together.”
Debbie advises women of any age to set goals and work to achieve them. If you want to get your master’s degree, she says, go for it. “No one can take your education, world travels or
experience away from you. If you fail, analyze your mistakes and try again.”
According to Debbie, the key to living a successful life is to dream big. “Never shut a door
before you try,” she said. “Just ask yourself, ‘Why not?’” The most important thing, she explains, is to keep your heart alive and your mind open. “My mom taught me to be a lady, to embrace people. I’m always looking for opportunities for growth.”
In addition to her job as a principal, Debbie remains active with a number of causes that are close to her heart, like water safety, children’s mental health issues and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Debbie believes that unconditional love, communication, respect and support are keys to raising happy, wellbalanced children. “Children can tell you volumes,” she said. “You need to listen to them. When you let children know you believe in them, they can do anything.”
Not long after the storybook ending to Michael’s Olympic experience in Beijing, where he won a record eight gold medals, Debbie’s son ended up in the headlines for some indiscretions and lost Kellogg’s as a major sponsor. Debbie stood by Michael throughout
the ordeal, even defending him during an interview on Larry King Live.
She firmly believes that everyone makes mistakes and the most important thing is to learn from them. “We’re always learning,” she pointed out. “When you make a mistake, you have to fess up, do better and move on. We were put on this earth to grow and to learn.”
When Debbie looks back on her path in life, she hopes that she has been able to impact others with her words, teachings and example. This inspiring alumna enjoys mentoring young people and encourages her Phi Mu sisters to do the same. “I look at myself as being so fortunate in so many ways. I have had so many people touch my heart.”
Attendees at the 2010 Phi Mu National Convention will have the opportunity to hear
Debbie Phelps speak at the Sisterhood Luncheon. Don’t miss out!
 Whitney, Debbie and Hilary watch as Michael receives his eighthgold medal after the Men’s 4x100 Medley Relay at the National
Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Photograph by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.
Photograph by Laisee Rintel.
|
|
|
|