Making Waves

The current state of this world often feels uneasy . The political climate, hatred, violence, constant tension, natural disasters, and uncertainty have been the source of much anxiety, stress, and sadness in ways many of us didn’t anticipate while approaching this year. I’m not someone who typically struggles with anxiety, but at different points this year, I’ve found myself more triggered than usual by some decisions being made at different leadership levels, devastating changes, and unexpected hiccups and losses that have caused more disruption and discord than ever before. If I’ve been feeling this way, I wonder how others are navigating things too. How are you doing right now? Are you okay? If not, it’s okay. A lot is going on that’s prompted more questions than answers, and I would encourage you to sit with how you’re feeling and do regular check-ins with yourself. There’s no harm in confiding in a trusted family member or friend, seeking professional help, picking up some self-he...

Working in education is a rewarding experience.  I get to teach my favorite content area (English), invest in the lives of young people, and work in a space where I feel free to be me. It’s also been great working with wonderful educators, some of whom I’ve developed trusted friendships with, who’ve approached the workplace with professionalism, positivity, and a great work ethic and attitude. But the same can’t be said of all educators. There have been some I’ve met and immediately knew to stay far away from. Negative energy, mean girl vibes, pettiness, messiness, and drama can easily be detected when you pay close attention. People are always communicating messages to us about who they truly are. In education, the students aren’t always the biggest challenge. Often, it’s the educators who behave like some of the students we teach. It’s disturbing witnessing educators, often grown women, forming alliances and friendships with other educators who shouldn’t be trusted. They create...

I can always appreciate a delicious brunch outing. And Milk & Honey is a brunch spot that surpassed my expectations. I’d originally heard about this location via TikTok, and when I spotted their chicken and waffles, I just knew I had to visit. When I walked into the restaurant, I immediately noticed the lovely ambiance – the music and art were everything. I was also greeted by the lovely hostess and smell of incredible food. I already knew I’d be moving forward with the chicken and waffles, but I had no idea how refreshing the lavender lemonade would be. It may be one of the best drinks I’ve ever had. If you’re in the Hampton Roads area and seeking a nice brunch spot, check out Milk & Honey.

Today’s current dating climate is bizarre. It’s grown so bizarre, that men barely, if ever in some cases, will approach a woman in person and ask her out on a date. Instead, the new normal has become DM sliding, creeping on social media accounts, and liking photos to build romantic connections, which honestly doesn’t sound too romantic or appealing to me at all. As a child of the 90s and a teenager of the early 2000s, I miss and prefer the time when men interacted with women without hiding behind technology. There was something special about handwritten cards and notes, thoughtful dates, serendipity, and intentionality. After having some unpleasant encounters, embarrassing moments, and failed set ups (from well meaning people who believe I need to be partnered), I’ve decided, that now, at 36, to choose me. I’m ditching dating and decentering men. I’m no longer interested in meeting anyone, dating, or creating space to prioritize a relationship. I’ve never been a male-centered woman any...

If someone had told me I’d be dabbling with creating and producing sports content, I probably would have laughed and dismissed the idea completely. I love sports and have always enjoyed viewing sports coverage and observing sideline reporters at sporting events since I was a little girl. However, I never saw myself in a similar role until the idea to start my own platform called “Simone Speaks Sports” emerged. I’d overseen my middle school’s Girls’ Sports Broadcasting Club for two years and supported my scholars as they interviewed different coaches and athletes during our fall sports season. Our school’s student activities coordinator had been asking me for years about getting a broadcasting platform in place. I didn’t think I’d have the time to commit to it, but the opportunity turned out to be a fun one. I’ve enjoyed working with my girls, mentoring them, and watching them step outside of their comfort zones while following sports and conducting interviews. One evening during one of...

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...