So I asked "Why Not Me?"

        I began my collegiate journey sometime around 2009, my GUIDANCE counselor gave me great news... I humbly asked if a Bachelors degree in education would suffice being my GPA from my undergraduate school was somewhat short of a 3.0. For years I had institutions tell me that I didn't qualify for my Masters Degree and is why I detained this endeavor.  The fact is my undergraduate professor (god rest her soul) never ever made me feel confidence in any way....  No positive reinforcement; just shame and humiliation... she was a snob! 


       This time, however, Dr. Burcroff had some pretty enlightening news to share with me..... As she tossed papers to the floor in a distinct and organized fashion, she stated.... "Why not a Master's degree?"  I couldn't believe my ears....  She pointed me in the right direction making sure I had the proper resources.  


       Don't get me wrong I don't mean to sound naive, I've had my doubts........  I've had many individuals say to me "sometimes a Masters makes it harder to find a job, they won't hire you because they will now have to pay you more money."  "I could even imagine those who couldn't wait to see me fail."  Yes, but now I realize this was the only option for me if I want to make it as a teacher.... Besides, this is my last and final calling you know....  I consistently reminded myself that all teachers need to continue their education in some fashion 'So Why Not Me?'  

New Testament:  I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ...

Ephesians 4:1-12 ESV / 11 

"New Beginnings"

After years of contemplating, I decided to return to school in 2008 to become certified as a Special Education Teacher.  My supervisor gave me the encouragement I needed! You know, that gentle push we need every so often....

I would like to thank my professors at Northampton for opening up the doors of opportunity and letting me in.  My US Lit II was an online class that made learning innovative and exciting.  The three volume series "The Norton Anthropology," American Literature from 1865 to the present, hold some of my favorite readings.  Stories and poetry written by legends such as Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain, Eugene O'Neill, T.S. Elliot, Booker T. Washington, William Carlos Williams, Adrienne Rich, Tennessee Williams, WEB DuBois, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Charles Chestnut, Henry James and many others who created such subtle reads that have truly inspired  my writings and my art form.

My College Algebra course was a challenge for me as well!  You see, I was never as successful as I would have like to be during high school years.  Yet, I always tried my best.  This is the outlook I believe has inspired me to return to school and pursue my dream of becoming a teacher, now helping students reach their dreams and potential as well.  This is what I refer to as "giving back to the community."

This course was also taken online.  My professor took concepts I've always found challenging and simplified them in a way that I could relate to everyday life.  The bottom line is I worked HARD and applied myself and made sure I received the tutorship I needed to be successful.  I took ALL THE HELP I could get my first year and then I had the confidence to fly!!!!!!!!!  Needless to say, I passed this class with a B average and walked away feeling great!

Remember, all it takes is one person to believe in you; that you are talented and deserve a chance to follow your passions, dreams, and what you feel is your calling.  I'm a strong believer that in life it's not always about *having to retain what you learn* or *what am I going to need this for?*  Yet, it's about "Am I capable of learning it?" and the "How I learn" that's important.

Meta-cognitively speaking, the How is what will help us balance instinctive and intrinsic motivation therefore allowing us to push limits and boundaries that will ultimately help us reach goals that may seem otherwise unattainable!

The happiest life is that which constantly exercises and educates what is best in us.  Hammerton

New Testament: But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14: 26-27