My Mother
My mom has been an educator all my life, and has even worked in the same schools I attended as a child. She has nurtured my love for education and passion for children throughout my lifetime. She even operated an in-home childcare center for many years and allowed me to work as an employee to gain work experience. I will always give credit to my mom for my interest in the early childhood field. She has always placed a powerful emphasis on education and being present in our lives as a support system.
My Dad
"Even when you've done your best, you still haven't done enough"
My dad has always motivated me to work harder and to push myself beyond what I only thought I was capable of. As early as I can remember my dad has always done whatever he could to provide for my family, even working 60+ hours a week to make ends meet. My dad always taught me that your best is still never good enough and there is always more that can be done. I used to think that he was just being hard on me, however, I now know how motivating these thoughts and ideas can be. Without his extra pushing, I know I would not have reached the level of success I have today.
Ms. Williams
Ms. Williams was my 2nd and 3rd grade teacher, and also my favorite teacher growing up. I have always carried with me the love that Ms. Williams had for me in her classroom, so much that I still remember her vividly as an adult. Ms. Williams was the first person other than my mother to realize that I was a gifted child. I often acted out in class because I was bored or the work just did not challenge me enough. Ms. Williams saw beyond my behavior and noted that I was a one of the most highly-intelligent students she'd ever come across. She fought for me to be tested into the gifted program and behold, my results were above target in all areas. Ms. Williams demonstrates just how important it is for educators to know their students and be willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure their success.
Shabrika,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post. Was it hard being at the same school as your mother? Did you call her Mom, or Mrs. Clark there? I always imagine my kids calling me Mommy at school, yet being aware that they will be treated equally without expecting nepotism. Your Ms. Williams sounds like my Mrs. Graves! I was so luckily to have that connection growing up and even still I look for her as an adult to tell her how influential she has been in my personal and professional success. Great post!
Ratasha
I admire your father's wisdom and his work ethic he taught you. I absolutely agree with him, but from a different standpoint. I feel like we should always strive for perfection and never settle. even if we have done enough we can always do better. You are blesse to have a mother and father to instill in you a strong work ethic.
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