Today is the day we celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He once said,”The time is always right to do what is right.” Many people have expressed concern about the upcoming transition of the leadership of our nation. It is easy to become caught up in the uncertainty of the future. Staying focused on our fears will immobilize us and nothing will ever be changed; progress will come to a halt. Even in the face of danger, Martin Luther King Jr. fought for civil rights and we need to continue to take up the fight using our God given gifts and talents.
As I look back at 2016, I am proud of the steps I took to make change within my own family. My husband and I were intentional about exposing our sons to diverse opportunities to learn about various educational topics and different cultures. Yes, they entered kindergarten and began their formal education this school year, but we too our responsible for educating them.
Last year, I also wanted to expand my knowledge so I could continue to improve the lives of the children and families I serve as an educator. I began my Teach Plus Policy fellowship last January, which ends this June, to learn more about how I can influence change in our local and even national education laws. I applied for and received a grant to bring a STEM Challenge Club to my school and I decided to begin classes to obtain my administrator’s license. I do not know what I am going to do after I complete my administrator’s program this June, but I do know the knowledge I obtain will widen my perspective on education and will help me become a better educator.
Last, I finally took the advice I have received since I was child to not only continue to write, but to send my work out into the world for publication. It’s one thing to write for family and for local events, it’s another to send your work off to a stranger where it could be rejected. I believe if I had not stepped out, despite my fears, I would not have the opportunity I was given a few weeks ago to become a blogger for Indy/Education. Now, I will be able to use my gift of writing to bringing attention to education issues and hopefully this will bring about solutions that will improve education for not only black and brown kids, but for all kids.
In his farewell address, President Obama said, “My last ask is the same as my first. I’m asking you to believe—not in my ability to create change, but in yours.” I believe I have the ability to create change even if it small and I believe it is the right thing to do. My dream is that my efforts not only makes a difference in my own family, but within the lives of people who come into contact with me every day.