Who Am I
I am my mother’s son, a product of learning early on the
importance of, “it’s not what happens to you, but how you handle it that counts”. My mom frequently explained to me that the
‘what’ is often beyond our control, while the reaction to it is completely ours
to own. Because of this mantra, I try to
focus on what I can control in all areas of my life. The things that are beyond my control are
left to the side, not to be focused on during my day.
I am a product of a single mother trying to raise three
boys. I learned the importance of never
making excuses and always pitching in to help others. My mother never allowed us to make excuses
for life’s events, that was not being productive. Productivity looked like searching for
solutions and finding a way, regardless of circumstance. Similarly, turning our backs on others was
frowned upon. In order to make it, my
mother reluctantly accepted the help of others and passed that kindness along when and where
she could. She instilled in us the belief
that it is both important and beneficial to help one another—no excuses.
In losing both parents by the age of eighteen, I learned
early of the frailties in life.. From
this experience, I have gleaned the importance of making each day count. Living in the moment and enjoying what it has
to offer is more productive than waiting for the “right” moment; for, as I have learned, that moment may never
arrive.
I am a product of becoming a father while still young—some
would argue, too young.. During my
college years, I learned how to put the needs of others in front of my
own. I discovered the joy I received
from seeing others grow and achieve new heights. I enjoy those successes as much, if not more,
than my own.
I am a product of a family of educators. My father was an educator; I had aunts and
uncles who were also compelled to serve in this noble profession. My own interest in education began during a
service-learning project in high school.
During this project, I worked at a day care for children with special
needs and realized that I had an innate ability to interact well and enjoy working
with young children. I experienced the
joys of helping children be successful and continue to revel in that realization
today. The image of success looked different
for each child in that day care and the idea that the definition of success is
unique for each child remains with me today.
I am a product of wanting to make my parents proud. While my parents were not here to see me
succeed during and after college, I strive each and every day to show them how
much they prepared me for life, in spite of the limited time that I had with them. .
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