Teresa

As I sit here thinking about what I wanted to share about Teresa because there’s a lot to share….LOL this quote instantly popped into my thoughts. Your past doesn’t define you. Your past is what helps shape you. It then prompted me to an interview I once had. It was a scenario of a troubled youth. I listened as the interviewer said this individual hacked the system to change grades, skipped school, cussed out certain teachers, stole books….everything about this kid let me know that school just wasn’t for them. This student and I had a smidgen of similarities. I was asked how would I help this student and inspire them.

From 9th to 11th grade I was considered a dropout. Each school year, I would go and then stop. My mom even received one of those education neglect letters. My senior year came and I didn't miss a day. I had a baby on December 31st. I was back at school when Christmas break was over. All the years previous to me graduating, you needed 24 credits to graduate. In 1993, that changed to 22 credits. That’s how many I had after going to summer school and night school. I don’t know what would have happened with me and a high school diploma had that not changed.OH.... I knocked that interview question out of the park and got the job.

Nevertheless, I graduated on time from high school then three more times. I have an Associate’s in Child Care, Bachelors in Business Administration and Masters in Education. This kid that didn’t think school was for them has DEGREES and a high school diploma. Now I have never hacked a system to change grades nor have I never cussed out a teacher to their face. Get this… I am a Teacher at an elementary school and an Adjunct Professor. I am the mother of not one but two college graduates. I’ve even written a few books. As I close I just want to say….Whatever you might be experiencing in this moment is not defining you. Its giving you the strength to tell your story….To be continue….