Career in the City

I got a taste of my dream job in the city, and I didn’t have to relocate to New York City (like I thought I would) for it to happen. I always imagined and considered relocation, should a great career opportunity arise, but I think the Lord wants me to stay put…for now, anyways. I believe there are different things He wants to do in my life where I’m at, before He launches me out elsewhere, and if that’s what He wants, I’m willing to be obedient. The dream job fit great with my English degree and to my surprise, I was sought after for the opportunity. I had the chance to sit down with a kind and friendly professional, who took a liking to my writing, while offering constructive criticism, and feedback I’ll never forget. I’m keeping a lot of the details to myself, but what I will share about the meeting is that everything I saw from the setting, to the friendly and diverse professionals, to the office view, felt like a flashback of what I’d seen in New York City during a past visit. I felt like I was right where I belonged, and it was incredible. Before I took this meeting, I thought about all the different times I’ve been rejected, had my writing ideas turned down, and heard things from different people like, “English majors don’t get jobs…” and I thought, “Shame on them…” Did I mention that prior to this meeting; handfuls of different opportunities have consistently been coming my way? This is only the beginning…

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...

The Day I Made A Will

When I was a teenager, I remember writing a list of my greatest fears. One of the things I listed was death. Looking back, it was an interesting item to list because inevitably, death is something each of us will face at some point in our lives. Even though it’s no longer a fear of mine, I understand why and how it’s not a comfortable thing for everyone to navigate. But regardless, this past summer I completed a detailed will. I signed it, had witnesses sign it, and got it notarized. As I was getting everything done, one of the witnesses looked at me and said, “You know, it’s just that you’re so young…” I’ve learned that death doesn’t care how young or how old you are. You can be five, fifteen, thirty, or fifty, and it’s still something that happens. Completing my will wasn’t scary. It gave me peace of mind having documentation in place stating my detailed directives and requests. A year ago, I had one of my kidneys removed. It was a surgery that came with risks that were presented cle...

Stop Saying Stupid Stuff To People Who Are Childless

I’m convinced that many people don’t think before they speak. Especially when it comes to interacting with people who don’t have children. Normally, I’ve held my peace with this and felt the need to solely address women when it comes to this topic, but lately this is a message that men can benefit from too. Stop saying stupid stuff to people who don’t have children . I know this might be a difficult task for those of you who are nosey, have concerns that have nothing to do with you, or may be unhappy in your own life, but stop with the questions, jokes, and reckless comments. Even if you believe you’re being funny, making conversation, or coming from a genuine place, you’re honestly out of line. Because someone not having children and why is none of your business. I don’t have children, and I honestly don’t know if I will, but as a woman, I’m good with my life either way. I’ll always be grateful for what I have instead of lamenting about what I don’t. Which is probably why getting olde...

Making Waves