be the revolution I want to see happen!

I am leading by example. I am working to expose my students to the world around them to help them to develop critical literacy skills. I am forming positive relationships with all types of people. I am following my dreams and reaching my goals. I am accepting myself and being true to who I am. ‘Nuff said.

I am so lackluster, so burned out, so…tired. I need something to help bring my sparkle back. It’s difficult walking the line between the youth I serve at work and the adults who only really care about the bottom line. Calgon, please take me away!

Revolution is all about change. My change has to occur from within. I can’t just talk about it. I have to be it and do it. My beliefs and what I care about has to permeate. I cannot be an armchair revolutionary. I have to be about what I stand for.

I am so lucky to be able to spend time with young people, particularly my 11th and 12th grade students and my students who are college freshmen and decided to stay in the city. I am also fortunate that I am able to provide them with opportunities to earn money and give back to their communities.

I also love that they (both males and females) talk to me like I one of their homies, respect my opinions, and follow my advice. Don’t believe all the mess you hear about teens. Most of them are not apathetic and really do care about their futures and what happens in the world.

Part of this revolution is assisting others as the plan and accomplish their goals. I am lucky to work with high school students and am able to help fill in the gaps that traditional education leaves with them. One of my former students used to tell me that the information I gave them regarding college applications and entrance was much more complete than the paid college adviser at his school. Now he is 6 hours away and enjoying school.

I have been reading some theory over the summer, mainly bell hooks, but Freire and Hill Collins have figured into the mix too. They are seriously influencing my outlook on life.

I try to live by example, but I am still a flawed human being. I get bogged down in the minutia and don’t allow myself to be in the moment.

With that said, I am changing—a lot. sometimes I do not recognize my old self and sometimes I am afraid of these new ideals and what they mean for me and my family.

Ugh.