The People’s Princess

The royal family didn’t like her, the aristocracy didn’t like her. She was vulnerable, she was not a perfect person, and I guess she could be difficult. But she was good. And she cared. – Dominick Dunne

Princess. Humanitarian. Kind-hearted spirit. Lover. Legend. All these words come to mind when I reflect on the life of, Princess Diana. When I was a little girl, I remember being fascinated with her and her life. It wasn’t until I became a woman that I realized why.

On the surface, Princess Diana’s life may have seemed like a fairy tale, but truthfully, reports shared she was in a loveless marriage and lonely in her role as a princess. She also struggled with insecurities, an eating disorder and loneliness on a level I couldn’t imagine anyone being able to cope well with. When she divorced, the world saw as she completely reinvented herself into an extraordinary woman who could empathize with just about anyone she encountered and touch many hearts and lives in the process. Her ability to reach people from all walks of life was incredible.

Her empathy and ability to connect with others is one of the things I believe made her such a beautiful soul. And what’s amazing, is seeing that same spirit carry on in her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. They both embody many of the characteristics their mother had and it shows. She was also gorgeous, had incredible style and even seemed gutsy during the demise of her marriage. She wouldn't let anyone silence her. I love that she was a princess that didn’t fit the mold as far as tradition was concerned and she was even vocal about this in past interviews and different accounts written about her life. Her untimely death in August 1997 was one that shook the world, and it’s hard not to imagine what she would’ve been like to this day.

Right now I’m actually reading a great fictional novel titled Untold Story by Monica Ali. It’s inspired by the life of the late princess through the characterization of a fictional princess, and dives into what her life may have been like if she were still alive. What’s cool about the novel is that it’s being told mainly through narrative and diary entries. So far I find it fascinating and if you’re a reader, it’s definitely worth checking out.

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