Hello everyone!!! My name is Rich Huffman. Most of you have probably seen my emails from time to time on Conga. I try to stay in lurk mode as much as possible so that I can get all my work done! It CAN become addictive!

I currently live in Scranton, PA and I am 28 years old. I have my Bachelor of Music Education degree, as well as a Masters of Science in Education (Educational Leadership) from Wilkes Univeristy. I am currently taking PHD courses to complete my Educational Doctorate. I hope to finally be out of the classroom within the next 3-4 years. At times, it seems like the educational road will never end!!

I currently teach music in the Pocono's at the Pocono Mountain School District. I teach grades 1-6, I have three chorus's and I have a musical theatre club as well. I've been inspired by Gloria when it comes to my choice of career for myself. I've always known I would be a musician but I never really knew I would be a teacher. As I got older I realized that being a famous performer really wasn't my thing and lets face it it's a long hard road just to get noticed in the entertainment industry. Gloria has inspired me to share my gifts with others just for the pure joy of giving to others. I absolutely love to teach children and watching their face glow through music is amazing!

My first experience of the wonderful Gloria was when I was graduating college. Out of a dare, I sent Gloria my graduation announcement. I was laughed at of course by my friends when I said that I wouldn't doubt if it came back with an autograph. Up until that point I had been a member of conga and read about all the great things she has done for people. It didn't come and it didn't come. At that particular time Gloria was very busy ( I can't remember what it was at the time) so I knew it was a possibility that she couldn't take the time to do it. But it came! It was personally signed to me wishing me luck in everything I pursued in my career! My friends were so astounded! Of course I showed it to everyone I could show it to. I think it was at least a month until I stopped talking about it. I still read it on my wall from time to time when I'm about to throw my hands in the air and scream, and it shows me that someone wished me well and it is a great feeling deep down.

This just created the Gloria experience! Now don't misunderstand, I was a fan before the accident way back when. I remember crying when my Mom told me about it. My birthday is on the 17th and this happened on the 20th, but I was having my party on the 20th. She told me at my party, she never thought I would react like I did. I went to my room for well over a half an hour. My Mom and I used to listen to Gloria all the time while I was growing up. It was just something that happened in my house. My family has no Latino background at all, her voice, her message, her songs just appealed to all of us.

From the announcement on, I was determined to get a picture of me and Gloria together. I went to two Today Shows. The very last one I was first in line for. I waited from 5:30 the day before until the time of the telecast. I was determined to get a good standing area to see Gloria. I saw the Evolution Tour twice, the Mohegan Sun show, and the Live and Unwrapped Tour twice. I was lucky to have Gloria sign my Evolution Tour program at the last Today Show and she actually eluded to an email that I had sent to Conga! I found that so amazing! She remembered that I was looking for a room mate to stay with to share hotel cost. I was in shock! I then had the opportunity to sit in the front row at the Philadelphia show during the Live and Unwrapped Tour and managed to have a chance to speak with her after the show. She signed autographs from the tour bus. She was sweet, down to Earth self. But then of course came the book tour. This was finally my chance. I now have my picture of me and Gloria. That completed my collection. I'm don't expect too much, one picture in my life with her is good enough for me! Of course, if the chance arises, I'll get me another one:)

I want to give a shout out to all the people that I have met through my experiences throughout the past few years. I would mention some names but to be honest, I'm terrible at remembering names and I don't want to leave anyone out. Any time I've attended an event and there were other Conga people, they were always so kind to me and I really have appreciated that!

And I would like to say thank you to Gloria. Gloria, you are a beacon for so many people....more than you probably realize. Most of us don't love your because you're famous....we love you because of what you stand for. We love the way your treat people, care about life, use music for peace and understanding and not war and hate, and for just merely being you. You have been and will remain my role model in everything I attempt to do. I wish you all the best, happiness, and I hope that you feel all of the love we are all pushing your way!!

Gloria Forever!

Click here to read Rich's Adventures at the XM Radio Concert
Click here to read Rich's Adventures at Conga Bash 2007
Click here to read Rich's Adventures at the "Noelle's Treasure Tale" Book Signing (2006)
Click here to read Rich's Adventures at the Noelle Book Signing Tour (2005)