“Rubber Bands on My Socks is definitely a must-read for all people, especially at the collegiate level,” Aariyana Britton, senior, said. “This is a powerful story of perseverance and grace, as well as having faith in God.”

According Britton, this book by her aunt Averett graduate and Trustee Dr. Annie Wimbish, shows scholars that all is possible through hard work and dedication. In fact, the administration department at The University of North Carolina Greensboro is using the book in its leadership preparation program through the education department to guide discussions on building relationships, moral leadership, decision making, and empowering others.

“As the author, I want to encourage others to not give up,” Wimbish, Averett board of trustees vice-chairperson, said. “In the title, the ‘socks’ represent all that poses a threat to us, while the ‘rubber bands’ represent solutions and hope.”

“With God’s blessings and the help of many networks; I made it, and most would say that I made it successfully,” Wimbish added.

Wimbish, daughter of Halifax County, VA sharecroppers Johnnie and Annie Mae Richardson, takes the Rubber Bands on My Socks reader on an extraordinary journey from poverty to success by becoming one of Mississippi’s most prominent businesswomen during her tenure as superintendent of schools in Hattiesburg, one of the state’s largest school districts.

According to Jenny Eaton M.A., director of middle schools and Title I for Pittsylvania County Schools, Rubber Bands on My Socks is a very enlightening and inspiring book.

“Dr. Wimbish’s life story is a powerful motivator for everyone to look beyond the surface of any individual,” Eaton said. “Dr. Wimbish is a model of grace, perseverance, and success; the book is truly inspirational.”

“It is imperative for everyone, especially educators to make connections with children and strive to close the gaps on cultural diversity,” Eaton said.

For students interested in reading Rubber Bands on My Socks, the book is currently available at many stores and websites including Barnes and Noble, Books-a-million, and Amazon; where it maintains a 5.0 rating.

According to Wimbish, she believes the 5.0 rating is due to readers having the opportunity to relate.

“People can relate, even if they did not grow
up on the farm or in poverty,” Wimbish said. “There is something for everyone.”

Wimbish also brought light to the high rating being an immense achievement for her as a debut author. “It’s mind-blowing, amazing, and incredible for the book to have a 5.0 rating,” Wimbish said. “To God be the glory!”

As for the future, Wimbish indeed plans to release another book following the magnitude of success associated with Rubber Bands on My Socks. “I am in the praying and prepping stage now,” Wimbish said. “Stay tuned for more!”