Bachelorette Guide To Staycationing

Think about the area you live at right now. Even if you don’t think it’s much, I guarantee if you take another look you’ll find some hidden treasures there. I know I can in my own hometown. I grew up in a beach area, so I’m abundantly blessed with awesomeness. My city is also filled with museums, fine dining, different people, and different events worth exploring. I’m still planning to travel out of state more and out of the country but for now, I’ve come up with some cool ways and suggestions if you're ever looking to staycation no matter where you are...

Utilize social media and Groupon for deals and local events. Social media apps can be great for revealing local events and fun in your area. And Groupon is a great way to have fun on a budget. You can find different fun things to do as you enjoy your staycation.

Book a hotel stay. Get away from your own home and stay overnight for a few nights at a hotel. You’ll really feel like you’re getting away and it’ll be nice to be somewhere else, even if it’s not too far from where you reside.

If possible, unplug as much as possible. It’s a staycation after all – I think it’s interesting when I see people post on social media about their vacations during their luxurious vacations. I don’t have a problem with traveling and taking pics of an awesome vacay but why not save those photos to share until after your trip? Be present. Even on a staycation. You can snap all you’d like, but the point is to enjoy your getaway. Temporarily disable your Wi-Fi if able or if you’re feeling gutsy, just shut off your phone. Happy staycationing!

Thoughts From a Black Educator: Qualified, Credentialed, and Constantly Undermined

I’m a Black educator in my fifth year of teaching middle school English, and in my third as the 8th Grade English PLC (Professional Learning Community) Lead. And while I genuinely enjoy the purposeful work I get to do, seeing the growth of my scholars, and continuing to hone my skills in a content area I’ve loved since I was a little girl, I’ve had to confront some unpleasant experiences in this space. I’d been through much worse when I was an academic advisor at a Christian university. Racism, sexism, harassment, and workplace bullying were sadly norms in that environment. However, some of what I’ve experienced as a Black educator hasn’t been normal … It doesn’t seem normal to be the only Black educator in my department – in a predominantly Black school. One of my Black colleagues once said, “It should look like a Tyler Perry movie in here.” But it doesn’t. It didn’t feel normal being reprimanded in a meeting (during my second year of teaching) by an administrator who went in on...

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Making Waves