I found myself looking through old pictures and work of my days of teaching little ones. This was prompted by the news of the death of one of my earliest mentors, Ms. Tickles. I was bright-eyed, about to graduate from undergrad and looking for my first teaching job. Of course, I had worked with children in different capacities part-time throughout college and during the summers, but this was different. I was going to be a TEACHER. I interviewed with the principal as she was looking for a kindergarten teacher. She took me on a tour of the school and walked me into one of her kindergarten classrooms, introduced me to the teacher and she left me there for about 30 minutes. Ms. Tickles talked to me as her kindergartners worked without missing a beat. She was tough without being mean. She had high expectations and strong relationships with her students. Watching with amazement and fear, I knew this was what I wanted to do, but questioned whether I was ready. When the principal returned, I heard her whisper to Ms. Tickles, "What do you think?" With only a 30 minute conversation, no idea of how well I could ACTUALLY teach, Ms. Tickles, nodded and said "I think she'll be good." She took a chance on me.
Ms. Tickles, without even realizing it, planted a seed that continued to grow long after she took another position at a different school and as my career moved to another district and other states. Her experience and willingness to provide resources and advice helped make my first year experience unlike most teachers. I always hear the cries of most colleagues about the overwhelming calamity of their first year. I was blessed with a team of safety nets.
I think back to the students of my first year knowing they are now all adults. They are black and brown young men and women that are finding their way through this world of injustice merely based on their skin color and culture. How many of them have been herded into the criminal justice system? How many have found the path of becoming a change-agents?
Today as I prepare to take my son to the march in NYC, we march for the hundreds of students that have influenced my life and work. We march to show the world that black and brown lives truly do MATTER. Tomorrow is not promised, so I have to think about how can I make a difference in someone's life today.
