Choosing Between Ambition or Love

In the July issue of Cosmopolitan magazine I came across an article titled: Ambition or Love: Do You Have to Choose? I was alarmed at some of my findings, as well as some of the harsh realities of being an ambitious woman. There are many men that claim they like dating a woman in charge, until they actually do. Jenna Birch writes, “The Fallout: some women are downplaying their career goals to bag a bae. Not okay!” As I read through the article I was floored. I found some of the stories that different ambitious women shared to be funny and insightful, yet a bit discouraging. There are women working hard to have careers of their own, many of whom are intelligent, beautiful, driven, and making serious bank but desiring, love. That’s understandable, but turning down ambitions to snag and/or keep a guy is awful. I like to believe that it’s possible to obtain both ambition and love, but it depends on the situation. I believe there are men that can celebrate women who are incredibly successful and some who can’t handle it. Some of the guys that commented on the article shared that they like smart, beautiful, and successful women, but find them intimidating, which translates to me as a guy simply being, insecure. I’m just beginning to ease into the career world, and I’ve seen this. I believe society has evolved past what it means to be a traditional woman, even though some men and women still seem to be stuck in the 50’s. It’s time to get woke. The reality that some men may face, is that they may end up with a woman that makes more money than them, is in a higher position, and unapologetic about it. I feel like a real man would support that, and not let his ego be bruised by it. If I had to choose between ambition or love, I’d take ambition. Naturally, I’m filled with love but love doesn’t pay the way a stable career does. I like stability and it’s important for me to have a life of my own, and to flourish to the fullest of my potential. I can’t see myself giving that up for a guy, and why should I? I think the bigger question beyond choosing between ambition or love, is can you be with someone and have both? It’s good food for thought.

A Year Of Being Ghosted

Ghosting: the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication. I’ve been ghosted by every guy I’ve met within the past two years. About six to be exact. · The first guy pursued me and then got shady whenever I asked him about what he did for a living and where he lived. When he started dodging and avoiding questions, wouldn’t initiate dates, and slowly stopped keeping in touch with me altogether, eventually, all communication ceased. · The second guy was someone I met through a family member. He was super cool, very smart, handsome, and funny, but didn’t want to be in a relationship and acted like he didn’t want to be seen with me publicly. When we had plans to meet for an outing, he didn’t show up, and then texted me about a week later with an apology. We chilled at my place a few times, had a few phone conversations, and exchanged occasional texts, but eventually he stopped responding to me

Teacher Table Talk: When Parents Attack

As an English teacher, a core belief I’ve held close since the beginning of my career has been the importance of relationship building. I believe that if great relationships between teachers, students, and parents are established at the beginning of the school year, everything else will fall into place. Authentically modeling, practicing, and establishing mutually respectful and professional relationships within my classroom has been the bridge for effective communication, solid classroom management, and creating a safe and effective learning environment that fits each of my student’s needs. And though I’ve seen and experienced the benefits of great relationship building, unfortunately, there have been times when some students and parents have not been receptive or interested in my efforts to establish connections that would best serve all parties involved. I’ve also noticed and shared spaces with other educators, school counselors, and administrators who’ve experienced the same. And

How To Respond To A Nasty Email

Technology has made many people bold, rude, and incredibly messy. Often to the point where some may hide behind words they’ve typed instead of verbally communicating a message they want to convey. Such can be the case when it comes to sending emails. Ah, emails. You know what they are. Electronic messages that can be quickly drafted, sent, and misinterpreted (because you can’t always interpret tones or emotions through them). Which is why it’s key to know how to respond to nasty emails if they should ever come your way – especially in the workplace. As a working professional, there have been plenty of times when a coworker or superior sent an email my way that was petty, mad disrespectful, and unprofessional. And before I learned how to properly utilize email etiquette, my first instinct would always be to clap back. I just felt the need to respond and to communicate that I wouldn’t allow anyone, no matter who they were, to disrespect me. And while I haven’t taken things too far

Making Waves