Drop Everything And Read: Finding Freedom

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are an interesting couple.

One, they look adorable together. Two, they make a great power couple. And three, they’ve managed to change the image of the royal family with the fact that they’re an interracial couple. They are a true representation of what the world now looks like as opposed to how the royal family has always looked from its beginning. When these two were dating, there was a lot of press coverage brewing, but when they announced their engagement and wedding? Things skyrocketed to an entirely different level.

If you didn’t get a chance to see the wedding or the photos from it, you missed something special. It was clear that these two were (and still are) very much in love. However, one couple’s happiness can sometimes be an issue for those who are unhappy with themselves and maybe their own lives. Which Finding Freedom dives into. It specifically highlights not only Meghan and Harry’s love story but also describes all of the public scrutiny and criticism they faced, especially Meghan, stemming from media storms from the press, the challenges inside and outside of the very private walls of the royal palace, and the decision that led to Meghan and Harry walking away from that life. I enjoyed reading this book because I felt that it accurately addressed a lot of the false rumors and stories surrounding these two and was also a chance to clear the air.

It was also a reminder that even behind photographs of candid moments and smiles is always a backstory we may never fully know or see. Earlier this year I was able to watch the sit-down interview Oprah did with Meghan and Harry and it was heartbreaking learning how opposed to the union different people were and how heartless and hateful others hiding behind cameras, computers, and smartphones could be too. I love that Prince Harry has continued to stay by his wife’s side and be a pillar of love and support in a world that isn’t always welcoming or kind to someone and something they don’t like just because it doesn’t fit what they’re used to. If you’re into the royal family, Finding Freedom is a nice read 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