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"A Star was Born"
Well, not really a star, just me. I was born. It just sounded good, so I thought to be dramatic... -
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"From Babbling to Talking"
It was at this age where every person I encountered would talk to me, and I could not form the words I wanted to say. I would just babble. My parents started to read to my siblings and I, when I was an infant, until I was able to read. Before then, I would just listen and point at the nice, colorful pictures, on the page. -
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Welcome to Kindergarten
This is not a drill. I was a big girl now, practically an adult, at the age of five. No more pretending to be in school, and watching my five older brothers come home and do homework. It was my turn to join the world, and I was glad about it. I was exposed to all sorts of traditional fairy tales and books, like "The The Boy Who Cried Wolf" and "Little Red Riding Hood." I had mastered the alphabets and minute words, spelling and pronunciation. -
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"Writing is an Art"
By first grade, I was writing stories myself. My stories were always much longer than my other classmates. I had a huge imagination. So my teacher exposed me to typing. IBM was prevalent then. I would stay with her during lunch and type my ideas or stories. She would enter me in contests, and I would win some. -
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Highest Honor
Third grade was the best. I was in an advance class and had scored higher than 93% in the state on the Florida Comprehension Assessment Test, also known as, FCAT (state test). I was the spelling bee champ, that year and earned the Principal's Award, which was the highest award any student could earn. -
"My Journal"
Because I loved to read and write, I had earned so many awards for those particular skills. My parents bought me a journal. Not only was I able to record my thoughts, but this is where I found peace and could create my stories, songs, and poetry. -
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"Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry"
I, first read this book in the 7th grade. Unlike the books, I read in the past, this novel had historical context to it, and a cover of kids that looked just like me (African-Americans). Although the book was fiction, I took it personal. I was introduced to a plethora of novels, like "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" "The Outsiders" and Diary of Ann Frank. This was the year, I was introduced to more vocabulary, diversity in reading, and critical thinking. -
"Amiri Baraka"
I wrote my first, five page, typed, Literary Analysis paper on "Black Art" by Amiri Baraka. I had a difficult time understanding how to write and dissect someone else's work, that was effective and proficient enough, as an 11th grade Honors student. I barely passed that paper, let alone class. We would go on to read challenging novels like, ""Huckleberry Finn," "The Great Gatsby," plays by Shakespere and poems by Edgar Allen Poe. I could read just fine, it was the comprehension I stumbled with. -
"Fire and Ice"
I failed an eight page paper in the 12th grade. It was another Literary Analysis paper on Jane Austen's, "Jane Eyre" I discussed how symbolism of fire and ice was being used throughout the novel. Obviously, not well enough. I failed the paper and class. -
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"University of Florida"
I went to college and declared the major, English. I was introduced to an eclectic African-American women writers, like Julie Dash, Toni Morrison, Sapphire, and many more. I was intrigued by reading, again, but struggled with writing. Advised by my professors, I was told to diversify my education by taking different courses, besides African American Literature. I did well in the classes that interested me, and those that didn't, was a direct reflection of my effort, comprehension, and grade. -
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"Closing the gap"
I moved to Maryland, and became an ELA teacher for 6th grade, in Baltimore. My students struggle with literacy. Part of that reason is my students lack foundation skills. I am now a 7th grade teacher, teaching the same students. I see many growths between this year and last, but they still struggle with comprehension, spelling, writing, ect. My role has changed, so has my perspective, on literacy, too. I am no longer concerned with just my ability, but those I teach, as well.