Thursday, June 20, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
The Education System of the 21st Century
“Education is the passport to the future for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” ~Malcolm X
While watching television recently, I came across a commercial for an older episode of the Oprah Winfrey show. This particular show was to address a documentary entitled, “Waiting for Superman.” I sat and watched the 45 second commercial and became so engrossed I wished I could have called my mother. Coming from a family of Native and African American heritage, education has always been a priority growing up. My grandmother instilled in her children the ideals and principles of not only obtaining a great education but also to taking pride and valuing their education. When the time came, she would teach her grandchildren those same ideals and principles and constantly remind us that furthering our education beyond high school was not an option but a requirement. It was imperative we continue educating ourselves in order to compete with our classmates as well as our peers throughout the world. Before her passing, my mother had always been an educator in some form or other since before I was born. I can recall many instances when I accompanied her to teach Adult Literacy or tutor children at the local library. I thought it was so cool for her to be able to teach adults and children how to read and at the same time instill in them the value of education. I remembered a conversation she and I had where we discussed the education system in America versus the system in other countries. At the time she was a college instructor and had taught in the public school system for over seven years, which convinced me she would have a lot to say. The thing that most surprised me was when she said, “This system is not preparing our children to compete with children of the world.” I thought, “WOW! She’s an educator and she has issues with public education.”
Now let’s fast forward to the first episode in a two-part series on public education in America. I was so geared up and ready for this discussion. Much to my chagrin it did not address the issues in a manner in which I felt was inclusive. Education is a four-part component: student, parent, teacher and administrator. Judging from the first episode, one would gather that teachers in America as a whole are doing a poor job of educating our youth. This took me by surprise and made me livid. How could administrators sit here and point fingers at a group of people without acknowledging that we all have a part in this? One of the panelists said that the reason why children in other parts of the world are succeeding more than American children is because of how they value education. Growing up I was always taught that completing your homework was not enough. Studying, coupled with completing your assignments, is what mattered. This was how society knew you valued your education.
The question remains: “How is the value of education an international issue?” First, let’s look at the facts. Here in America, students tested in the fourth and eighth grades test below average in subjects like math and science versus students in Asian and European countries. This statistic is very alarming to me and the first question that I had was “why?” How can one group of tested students out-perform another group of students? Both groups are equal in age, education and learning abilities. So why are students in other parts of the world able to score higher on these exams? The only answer I was able to come up with is Asian & European groups tend to value their education more than we do. President Obama stated in an interview that his daughters could not get the same level of education from a DC public school that they receive at the elite private school they attend (Obama: DC schools don’t measure up to his daughters’ private school The Washington Post). The article goes on to discuss the lottery system for some schools. President Obama states “it’s heartbreaking that some parents rely on a lottery to get their children into a school that they believe will meet their needs.” I whole-heartedly agree. I can remember my journey from elementary school to high school and having to endure this same archaic lottery system. The anticipation of waiting to hear from a school you truly would love to attend only to find out you weren’t ‘accepted’, not because of your education level or test scores, but simply because your number wasn’t drawn. As an adult this would have me believe that the best education for my child is one where I pay an exorbitant amount of money, or a place that my child “won.” Does this become the value of their education here in America? Why is it that children in other parts of the world can receive the same education (unfortunately in some instances a better one) just because they are children? Why do we in the US rely on archaic and demeaning tactics to educate our future? If we continue, at this rate, children here won’t be able to compete with their peers simply because their parents couldn’t afford their education, or because “their number wasn’t picked.”
While watching television recently, I came across a commercial for an older episode of the Oprah Winfrey show. This particular show was to address a documentary entitled, “Waiting for Superman.” I sat and watched the 45 second commercial and became so engrossed I wished I could have called my mother. Coming from a family of Native and African American heritage, education has always been a priority growing up. My grandmother instilled in her children the ideals and principles of not only obtaining a great education but also to taking pride and valuing their education. When the time came, she would teach her grandchildren those same ideals and principles and constantly remind us that furthering our education beyond high school was not an option but a requirement. It was imperative we continue educating ourselves in order to compete with our classmates as well as our peers throughout the world. Before her passing, my mother had always been an educator in some form or other since before I was born. I can recall many instances when I accompanied her to teach Adult Literacy or tutor children at the local library. I thought it was so cool for her to be able to teach adults and children how to read and at the same time instill in them the value of education. I remembered a conversation she and I had where we discussed the education system in America versus the system in other countries. At the time she was a college instructor and had taught in the public school system for over seven years, which convinced me she would have a lot to say. The thing that most surprised me was when she said, “This system is not preparing our children to compete with children of the world.” I thought, “WOW! She’s an educator and she has issues with public education.”
Now let’s fast forward to the first episode in a two-part series on public education in America. I was so geared up and ready for this discussion. Much to my chagrin it did not address the issues in a manner in which I felt was inclusive. Education is a four-part component: student, parent, teacher and administrator. Judging from the first episode, one would gather that teachers in America as a whole are doing a poor job of educating our youth. This took me by surprise and made me livid. How could administrators sit here and point fingers at a group of people without acknowledging that we all have a part in this? One of the panelists said that the reason why children in other parts of the world are succeeding more than American children is because of how they value education. Growing up I was always taught that completing your homework was not enough. Studying, coupled with completing your assignments, is what mattered. This was how society knew you valued your education.
The question remains: “How is the value of education an international issue?” First, let’s look at the facts. Here in America, students tested in the fourth and eighth grades test below average in subjects like math and science versus students in Asian and European countries. This statistic is very alarming to me and the first question that I had was “why?” How can one group of tested students out-perform another group of students? Both groups are equal in age, education and learning abilities. So why are students in other parts of the world able to score higher on these exams? The only answer I was able to come up with is Asian & European groups tend to value their education more than we do. President Obama stated in an interview that his daughters could not get the same level of education from a DC public school that they receive at the elite private school they attend (Obama: DC schools don’t measure up to his daughters’ private school The Washington Post). The article goes on to discuss the lottery system for some schools. President Obama states “it’s heartbreaking that some parents rely on a lottery to get their children into a school that they believe will meet their needs.” I whole-heartedly agree. I can remember my journey from elementary school to high school and having to endure this same archaic lottery system. The anticipation of waiting to hear from a school you truly would love to attend only to find out you weren’t ‘accepted’, not because of your education level or test scores, but simply because your number wasn’t drawn. As an adult this would have me believe that the best education for my child is one where I pay an exorbitant amount of money, or a place that my child “won.” Does this become the value of their education here in America? Why is it that children in other parts of the world can receive the same education (unfortunately in some instances a better one) just because they are children? Why do we in the US rely on archaic and demeaning tactics to educate our future? If we continue, at this rate, children here won’t be able to compete with their peers simply because their parents couldn’t afford their education, or because “their number wasn’t picked.”
March is Women’s History Sisterhood Month
March is Women's History Month and it's also Sisterhood Month within my Sorority. Every year the same question is always asked at our event, “Who are the women that have impacted your life thus far?” This got me thinking. I can’t just answer who I must also ask, ‘And what kind of impact have the women in my life made?’ Well there are six women who have taught me so many lessons and supported me throughout the years.
First there’s my mother or ‘Lola’ as we call her. She gave birth to me and showed the correct path to take. I remember her baking buttermilk pies and me sneaking to go sit in front of the oven. Just the aroma had my mouth salivating! I love when she cooked. I remember the conversations we shared over food and cartoons. I can remember us getting up Saturday mornings to watch ABC Cartoons and her favorite programs! We spent 11 years together, just the two of us. I learned so much from her. I would always say ‘thank you’. Thank you for being the kind of person I want to be. From a young age I wanted to emulate her in every way possible. I hoped to be the kind of mother she was, strong, compassionate and loving. She’s the greatest mother and friend. She could do something so simple and it made me feel as if I’m sitting on top of the world. She gave us everything but most importantly, she gave us love. No one will ever be able to replace her.
Second is my sister or ‘Baby’ as I call her. What has she taught in the last almost 23 years? Where can I begin! She taught me how to be a strict parent, discipline beyond measure and how to be the kind of parent we had. I was so excited when we went to pick her up. Lola would not tell me where we were going but she was super excited. I remember she told me to just come on. She told me to get myself together and look presentable (I had just come from summer camp). I got nervous but when you were placed in my arms, I melted. I said this is my little sister! Thank you mommy, thank you so much! Baby and I have had our ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Thank you for being the greatest little sister. My prayer is for her to continue striving for the very best life has to offer her.
The third woman is my grandmother, Nana. I wish I had more time with her; I wish we could talk. The lessons she taught me I still use today. I know she would be very proud of me today. My mother reminds me of her sometimes (but I wouldn’t tell her that). I remember every Christmas and birthday Nana would have presents for all of her grandchildren no matter what. I remember one year I went to pick up my present and found out it was a typewriter. I was so happy to get one! I remember being mesmerized by this machine. I wanted to open it and use it right then. She told me to wait while she went upstairs; apparently there was more. I said, ‘Nana you didn’t have to get me anything else’, to which she told me, ‘No, I give all my grandchildren the same.’ I remember the meals we shared, the conversations we had, the stories you shared. We would talk and watch television all the time. In fact we were watching a program one day and saw a Native American woman on and I told her the woman looked exactly like her! I couldn’t wait to get home to tell Lola; that was amazing. Nana was amazing and I wanted to emulate her as well.
My Aunt Carol is the fourth woman. I can still remember her scent...cigarettes and Opium perfume! I loved going to her house because she had the best thing, my favorite cousin! He and I were thick as thieves (but in a good way); I’m so happy she brought him to our family. She allowed us to be raised not only as cousins but more like brother and sister. I loved so much about you. What always intrigued me was her tenacity, her drive and of course her penchant for nice things. I do believe her along with my mother and grandmother really ingrained that in me. We didn’t get to spend too much time together but I am grateful for the time we did share.
The fifth woman has been in my life since before I was born. Her name was Helen and she is my most favorite god-mother. Helen could bake a mean lemon sour cream pound cake! I absolutely LOVED her cooking. I would look forward to ANY holiday or celebration because I wanted to taste her food and just be near her. Her house was filled with love and the most savory scents in the world. Lola, Nana and Helen really made me enjoy cooking.. I can still remember the smells coming from her kitchen. She helped me get a job my first summer home from college; I appreciated that…I needed that. I was devastated when I my mother called to tell me she had passed. I wish we could’ve spent more time together. The relationship she and my mother had made me want the same with my girlfriends.
Last but certainly not least is my cousin, Streisand. She and I met while I was in college but we clicked immediately. It was as if our spirits matched. I remember the day my god-sister introduced us; I kept thinking how much we had in common From that day until a couple of weeks before she passed we were like peanut butter and jelly. The day I found out she had passed I cried all day and night. The questions assailed me, it wasn’t possible. She was only 22! I was thinking of her the very night she died and I wanted to text her. She taught me so much in such a very short time. She taught me how to be adventurous and spontaneous (sometimes). I remember the trip we took to see Kanye West and Usher in Atlanta. I had never done anything so spontaneous! She showed me how to live life to the fullest.
These women both young and old have instilled in me values that I'll hold on to forever. They have shown me what real womanhood and sisterhood means. Unfortunately all but one is gone but the experiences we shared will remain. We didn’t always get along but we always supported and loved each other. This March, let’s reflect on what it means to be a woman and praise the women before us who have paved the way. I've learned so many lessons in my life. Lessons which still teach me and the one thing I can never do without....love. From six women comes a lifetime of memories.
First there’s my mother or ‘Lola’ as we call her. She gave birth to me and showed the correct path to take. I remember her baking buttermilk pies and me sneaking to go sit in front of the oven. Just the aroma had my mouth salivating! I love when she cooked. I remember the conversations we shared over food and cartoons. I can remember us getting up Saturday mornings to watch ABC Cartoons and her favorite programs! We spent 11 years together, just the two of us. I learned so much from her. I would always say ‘thank you’. Thank you for being the kind of person I want to be. From a young age I wanted to emulate her in every way possible. I hoped to be the kind of mother she was, strong, compassionate and loving. She’s the greatest mother and friend. She could do something so simple and it made me feel as if I’m sitting on top of the world. She gave us everything but most importantly, she gave us love. No one will ever be able to replace her.
Second is my sister or ‘Baby’ as I call her. What has she taught in the last almost 23 years? Where can I begin! She taught me how to be a strict parent, discipline beyond measure and how to be the kind of parent we had. I was so excited when we went to pick her up. Lola would not tell me where we were going but she was super excited. I remember she told me to just come on. She told me to get myself together and look presentable (I had just come from summer camp). I got nervous but when you were placed in my arms, I melted. I said this is my little sister! Thank you mommy, thank you so much! Baby and I have had our ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Thank you for being the greatest little sister. My prayer is for her to continue striving for the very best life has to offer her.
The third woman is my grandmother, Nana. I wish I had more time with her; I wish we could talk. The lessons she taught me I still use today. I know she would be very proud of me today. My mother reminds me of her sometimes (but I wouldn’t tell her that). I remember every Christmas and birthday Nana would have presents for all of her grandchildren no matter what. I remember one year I went to pick up my present and found out it was a typewriter. I was so happy to get one! I remember being mesmerized by this machine. I wanted to open it and use it right then. She told me to wait while she went upstairs; apparently there was more. I said, ‘Nana you didn’t have to get me anything else’, to which she told me, ‘No, I give all my grandchildren the same.’ I remember the meals we shared, the conversations we had, the stories you shared. We would talk and watch television all the time. In fact we were watching a program one day and saw a Native American woman on and I told her the woman looked exactly like her! I couldn’t wait to get home to tell Lola; that was amazing. Nana was amazing and I wanted to emulate her as well.
My Aunt Carol is the fourth woman. I can still remember her scent...cigarettes and Opium perfume! I loved going to her house because she had the best thing, my favorite cousin! He and I were thick as thieves (but in a good way); I’m so happy she brought him to our family. She allowed us to be raised not only as cousins but more like brother and sister. I loved so much about you. What always intrigued me was her tenacity, her drive and of course her penchant for nice things. I do believe her along with my mother and grandmother really ingrained that in me. We didn’t get to spend too much time together but I am grateful for the time we did share.
The fifth woman has been in my life since before I was born. Her name was Helen and she is my most favorite god-mother. Helen could bake a mean lemon sour cream pound cake! I absolutely LOVED her cooking. I would look forward to ANY holiday or celebration because I wanted to taste her food and just be near her. Her house was filled with love and the most savory scents in the world. Lola, Nana and Helen really made me enjoy cooking.. I can still remember the smells coming from her kitchen. She helped me get a job my first summer home from college; I appreciated that…I needed that. I was devastated when I my mother called to tell me she had passed. I wish we could’ve spent more time together. The relationship she and my mother had made me want the same with my girlfriends.
Last but certainly not least is my cousin, Streisand. She and I met while I was in college but we clicked immediately. It was as if our spirits matched. I remember the day my god-sister introduced us; I kept thinking how much we had in common From that day until a couple of weeks before she passed we were like peanut butter and jelly. The day I found out she had passed I cried all day and night. The questions assailed me, it wasn’t possible. She was only 22! I was thinking of her the very night she died and I wanted to text her. She taught me so much in such a very short time. She taught me how to be adventurous and spontaneous (sometimes). I remember the trip we took to see Kanye West and Usher in Atlanta. I had never done anything so spontaneous! She showed me how to live life to the fullest.
These women both young and old have instilled in me values that I'll hold on to forever. They have shown me what real womanhood and sisterhood means. Unfortunately all but one is gone but the experiences we shared will remain. We didn’t always get along but we always supported and loved each other. This March, let’s reflect on what it means to be a woman and praise the women before us who have paved the way. I've learned so many lessons in my life. Lessons which still teach me and the one thing I can never do without....love. From six women comes a lifetime of memories.
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