Educational Thought #3

Yesterday was an interesting day that involved a lot of counseling to students who need some type of alternatives. In the traditional high school setting you have four years to complete 12 classes per semester or the equivalent of 230 credits/units in California. Most schools around the nation have a similar model with varying schedules that make this accessible to most students. But what happens when you have students who are in their third year and have only earned a quarter of those credits? These our the typical students who become dropouts not because they don't show up to school every day, but because they have not mastered the system of education.

I had the pleasure of guiding a few of these students to alternatives that will help them realistically earn their high school diploma. In both cases, the students had passed the exit exams, which demonstrate some mastery in reading and math. Having given them some options seemed to lift a burden from them in a way that felt refreshing. In the process of educational reform we must take into consideration that all students don't fit in the "systematic" model of the instructional settings we have created. We must give them the options that will lead to success otherwise face the wrath of their "failure" through crime and helplessness.

There are more than one way to earn 230 credits or a high school diploma lets find and provide students with all options. They deserve this chance. Happy Giving!

Mommy Thoughts #2

Yesterday I came across a Facebook status update that was related to being a parent and it being okay to say "no" to your child. I recently have been practicing the opposite in that my goal is to be able to say "yes" to my child as to continue to keep the creativity flowing. Let me clarify the meaning of the "yes" or refraining from saying "no" to my child. Growing up I was often told "no" for reasons that were as simple as, "Because I said so." This answer was given without regards to the later affects that it has on a child. In some instances this provided me with the opportunity to sneak around and do it anyway because curiosity was on the rise.

Saying "yes" with an explanation as to the parameters of the permission given or the results of the outcome I desired would have helped to give me the understanding of the "fears" that exist behind that no. The status update spoke about buying the best for our children and being able to tell them "no" when the item is not appropriate. Saying "no" is not enough when trying to explain the economics of being a consumer and just buying things especially to a child. That "no" symbolizes a rejection that is perpetuated by typical societally created lack and limitations.

By saying "yes" with explanation you are promoting more independent thinking with your child and opening opportuntiies for the child to develop into a more accepting child.

I challenge you this week to say "yes" to the voice of your child and do the things that the child is asking of you to do in a way that is pleasing. If you want a clue as to how this works watch the movie "Yes Man" as it truly shows that there are no limitations and nothing is impossible.

Thanks for reading. Until next week!

Educational Message #2

I have been "Tweeting" with a guy who attended a school that all the students graduated and went on to be accepted into colleges across the nation. An interesting point that he made was related to aligning your career with your hobby. For a while I have been trying to determine what the missing piece is in my career. Though I enjoy what it is I do to pay the bills am I doing what I love and enjoy the most?

Take a minute today to think about what it is that you enjoy doing the most. There may be many things that you enjoy doing so that gives you more options. I love to write therefore I finally became an author, however, at an earlier age I would have trained to be a writer in preparation for college instead of just going to college for a "job."

Find a way to make your hobby your future career!

Happy Giving LIP (Live/Love In Peace)

Mommy Thoughts #1

This year has been an amazing year as I can say I am truly coming into my own as a parent to my daughter. It was during this year that I shed the preconceived behaviors about parenting that were passed on by my own mother. I was parented in the way that was fit for my mother and her situation at the time. It is very difficult to try to recreate that same scenario for my child. In fact, it is virtually impossible for this to happen since each day brings about something new.

If we take a moment to increase the self-worth and value of our children it will be a more rewarding experience. I have learned that just being the parent does not give me the authority to push my own agenda and what is best for me. It is best to instill values and perform actions that are related to being considerate of others feelings especially your very own child. Often times I found myself saying, "NO!" to things for the sake of saying no without considering what was being asked. I come from a generation where it was appropriate for a child to only, "Do as I say, not as I do," which is ultimately a contridiction with the normal process of life. Our children follow the primary care giver in many ways so how is it possible not to do as I do?

My goal is to have my daughter follow me and do as I do by being a good person to her and others, having kind things to say and doing my very best in everything I do.

What are you showing your children and are you teaching them to "Do as I say and not as I do," or a new statement, "Do as I say and Do as I Do?"

Make today a great one!

Educational Message #1

Today I find myself at my Summer School site getting acquainted with the atmosphere before I begin on Monday. I wanted to be prepared by knowing the key people involved in helping to keep the school operational for students as well as get simple things like my walkie and keys. I also had to do some before school preparations as I had to ensure that my new route was accessible within a certain timeframe. All these activities will help me to have a great beginning to a new assignment. Without preparing ahead of time I would have given myself a disadvantage in making a great impression for the students.

So today, I encourage you to take a look at what it is that you are trying to accomplish and set out a plan of execution. If you desire to earn a high grade point average take time to map out who you will achieve this. If you plan to try a new activity or sport research the necessary actions you must take to be your very best. Most importantly, take the time to prepare and enjoy the process as it comes along.

Happy Giving to you!

It's Friday!

Great Morning to you world is how I start my day before I beginning my process of gratitude. I listen for the sounds of the voice from within to guide me for the wonderful things that will unfold throughout the day.

My journey this today will take me to a place where I will be connected with several individuals. I am blessed to be working on several projects that will touch the lives of others in meaningful ways. One project in particular is the "Mommies Club" project and campaign that is soon to be launched. This project works with mothers across the country and providing resources in the local areas to build better connections with their children. We, as mothers, are raising the next generation and we can no longer sit back and leave the other mothers who are not aware of this great responsibility be left behind. Our children deserve to have the very best of everything and not just the things that money can buy.

In addition, we are also launching "Operation Education" where we will journey to improving the quality of education for all children. Our primary focus will be on inner-city African American males since they are predominantly categorized in the Special Education population of students for learning disabilities and behavioral problems. We want to change the focus from something being "wrong" with the children to creating a solution and changing the process. We already see that the current educational system has been a preparatory ground for African American males and males of poverty going to populate the penal system. I propose that we change the process of the institution and truly examine how we are educating our youth to be prepared in this global society and to live out the "American Dream." See this article for more information http://www.calendow.org/uploadedFiles/Publications/BMOC/Harvard%20-%20Building%20Equalizing%20Schools%20-%20Full%20Report.pdf

In an effort to provide solutions to the issues that face our youth as mothers and to have a place for students to come and get answers I will post a blog twice a week (Wednesdays for mothers and Fridays for students) about various topics. I ask that you have one person join and follow my blog. Please leave comments and questions. These movements of empowerment will make a huge impact on the world. Be a part of the CHANGE.

So take a minute today to find a way to be a giving person. It could be something as simple as passing a smile to actually donating your time or money to a worth cause. Just take the time to do some giving because unlike milk, "Giving does a body good!"

Live/Love In Peace (LIP)!

New and Improved

I must say this year 2010 has been filled with some amazing stuff. It has been a significant time since I last blog only to now be filled with lots of learning and new opportunities to make the best of everything happen in my life and the lives of others.

I promise there will be lots more to come to this great blog. More lessons learned and connections made to make more experiences worthwhile in so many ways.

I will start by saying that everyday is a day of giving...what ways have you been of service today. Research and follow your ways of giving to have a better life!

On Friday, July 9, 2010 we will start a new era in this journey to success. Let's do this people...no limitations in any way!