We started high school together many, many years ago and most of us lacked confidence and were unsure of where life would take us, as we embarked on our journey. Ironically, our yearbook had a heading for the school year: We’ve Only Just Begun” – as sung by the Carpenters. I have no idea who the yearbook committee members were and why they chose that song for us. All I know is that it was so fitting for a group of 10- and 11-year-olds, as we got ‘the kiss of luck’ and we were on our way.
Lyrics
We’ve only just begun to live
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we’re on our way
(We’ve only begun)
Before the risin’ sun, we fly
So many roads to choose
We’ll start out walkin’ and learn to run
(And yes, we’ve just begun)
Sharing horizons that are new to us
Watchin the signs along the way
Talkin’ it over, just the two of us
Workin’ together day to day
Together
And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We’ll find a place where there’s room to grow
(And yes, we’ve just begun)
Sharing horizons that are new to us
Watchin’ the signs along the way
Talkin’ it over, just the two of us
Workin’ together day to day
Together
Together
And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We’ll find a place where there’s room to grow
And yes, we’ve just begun.
Five years later at our graduation, we were singing our chosen graduation song, “Do You Know Where You ‘re Going To? Sung by Diana Ross.
Lyrics
Do you know where you’re going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to?
Do you know?
Do you get what you’re hoping for?
When you look behind you, there’s no open doors
What are you hoping for?
Do you know?
Once we were standing still in time
Chasing the fantasies that filled our minds
You knew how I loved you, but my spirit was free
Laughing at the questions that you once asked of me
Do you know where you’re going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to?
Do you know?
Now looking back at all we planned
We let so many dreams just slip through our hands
Why must we wait so long before we see
How sad the answers to those questions can be?
Do you know where you’re going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to?
Do you know?
Do you get what you’re hoping for?
When you look behind you, there’s no open doors
What are you hoping for?
Do you know?
Did we really understand the lyrics to both of those songs? Maybe not, but we certainly were singing. Years later, after graduation, we reunited and talked about our feelings and explained to each other the journey we took or the journey that had taken us and how we faired. We realized that we made some great decisions, had some rough or even traumatic experience and that we learned some valuable lessons over the years. Most of us kept in touch and started going to various trips together. We celebrated each other, we laughed with each with other, we supported each other, we grieved with each other and most importantly, we prayed with each other. Some of us even shared how we need to be intentional about how we enjoy life and each other’s company especially since life can be so fleeting. Our togetherness became special because we shared the same culture, similar childhood days and we shared the same values. We can laugh, and the laughter brings peace and joy. We also realized that we need each other, were able to care for each other, exhaled and the togetherness brought a bond of friendship that many can’t identify with. As we laughed, one of us said that there could be onlookers wondering why and what grown women could find to laugh about so much and that even made us laugh more.
I strongly believe that as we get older, we get joy from hanging out with good friends and we appreciate it more especially since we life in such a world of stress and pain.
The educator in me can’t help but wonder what kinds of memories and lessons my students are creating and how they will think after graduation and beyond. Will they like the things that life has shown them. Do they know where they are going?
Death seems to be raising its ugly head every day and just yes, too close for comfort. I’ve been putting off writing about this because it has stomped me, and I have not been ready to face the raw memory. This time it’s another friend whom we usually referred to each other as “namesake” since we have the same first name. My consolation has been that we use to talk regularly. In fact, she knew that I use to work on my lesson plans early on Saturday mornings so she would use that opportunity to call me, and we would talk for a long time then. Since her death about six months ago, I have not done my lessons plans on Saturday, but on Sunday afternoons. I just can’t seem to get it together or come to terms with this horrible fact.
Since we spoke regularly, I remember her calling me one morning as usual and she was explaining how she had been sick and did several surgeries and that things fell into place by “divine intervention” and “faith-based activities”. She even said that after the last long seven and a half surgery, her doctor had told her friend that he had “just completed my Masterpiece!” To which I had interjected, “I hope you realize that this was a clue that you have a book to write, and the title is, I Am the Masterpiece!” I was excited to say this and felt like she needed to hear, God those comforting words instead of thinking about her pain. We had even discussed that she should make notes of her journey in a journal. She also said that she had many journals but wanted to get strength to put things together as she was swamped with work and doctors’ appointments and the cycle goes on and on. Just listening to her it did seem exhausting but there was not a moment when I didn’t encourage her positively.
I would also think of the word, “masterpiece” as the doctor had referred to her. Seems as if I could not shake the word. So, I decided to research the word. Masterpiece definition as per the dictionary,
a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship.
(historical) a piece of work by a craftsman accepted as qualification for membership of a guild as an acknowledged master. There were other words for masterpiece including, treasure, flower, gem, monument, perfection. I could see how she was the epitome of a masterpiece. Her picture can be placed in the dictionary to further help with the definition.
A month or so before she died, I felt obligated to pay her a visit and even though we didn’t exchange many words, my mind was racing as I massaged her back and sang for her. She was in and out of sleep, but it didn’t matter, I wanted to be there with her, and I know she appreciated that I was there. For some reason the lessons that I was learning, and they were overwhelming. As I reflected, I couldn’t help but think that I should be the best version of myself and try to live up to my requirement of being a peacemaker, fun loving, lover of people and philanthropist. Others were telling me that I should always trust the process because there is nothing, I could have done to change anything.
She might not have been able to write her book, but she had begun journaling activities of her journey. My hope is that we can all learn a few lessons from her life – just as I learned. She was not an educator, but the lessons were simple yet compelling.
Additional lessons learned
live at peace with everyone
live as Christ would want
be prepared for life and death
be willing to show love (regardless of the person)
be a vessel of kindness
She always gave some interesting advice as we spoke and she would always remind me and many people she met to, “stay with God” and not worry about what other people would say (negatively) because sometimes there could be too much noise in the marketplace.
Again, I lost another friend, a masterpiece – one who will be forever in my heart!
A few years ago, a woman introduced me to positive affirmations and since then I have bought into being positive. I figure that since words have power, I should use the positive words to encourage me so I can feel powerful. What is does power even mean? Power as defined by the dictionary means “the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.” Well in this case I say, I am directing my behavior based on the words I have spoken within me. I have also introduced this to my students, so they begin affirming themselves in the morning, so that throughout the day they believe it as they repeat the affirmation. Affirmation is filled with power, and we must have a willingness to encourage ourselves and as it were dig ourselves out of sadness. We can and should use even our disappointments to reach for higher. Tell ourselves that we will dig out of the sand and reach for the stars. As a matter of fact, we can in turn be change agents for others when they see how we live our lives. For us to have power we must commit to a few things: –
Believe in yourself
Be persistent
Be you
Be honest
Be intentional
Being an educator, it is my responsibility to be encouraging for my students so they realize that they can learn and that all things are possible, they just need to believe. Simply put there is hope! I must believe as well so that I can keep the learning wheels turning. It’s not always easy especially if there are parents or students who put up resistance. Goodness, there have been resistance! What do I do when faced with the resistance? I evaluate myself and tell myself that I am a good person and who wants good for others and yes, hope for the storm to blow through then, trust the process. Most of all I rely on the power of affirmation and have the courage to use it. I also turn to the good book, the bible verses for example, Luke 20 20 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
So even though I don’t teach religious education, I do use it in my daily walk to encourage myself. The rest takes care of itself and flows. As a child I heard the saying, “what the mind can conceive and believe, it will achieve.” This has stayed me over the years, and I am convinced that is where the power lies- in our mind and we must believe it is possible. So, I say, take it one step at a time and find the power in you!
“Life is a mysterious mix of beautiful and painful experiences. No one can predict how it will unfold and we don’t always understand why it unfolds the way it does.” The words of Akirah Robinson rang through my head, and I read them repeatedly. The months April, May, and June though the period started off calmly and happily were filled with mixed emotions and yes mysterious happenings. I had decided to visit Jamaica during my Spring Break to do what I called a mini launch, but it turned out to be greater than that. Few hours after I arrived there, I was able to read a portion of my book that I had dedicated to one of the persons, I had written about. So exciting! She was pleasantly surprised and remarked, “This is such a pleasure, and I am getting goosebumps, just knowing that you thought of me.” The joy knowing that I was able to show how she impacted my life was overwhelming. Little did I know that would be the last time I saw her – she died a week and a half after that! I was devasted yet was comforted by the fact that she knew how much she impacted my life. I had read to her – unbelievable of the timing. Another fantastic experience was that I was interviewed by a local (Jamaican) television station and got some more networking regarding my newly published book. I was also interviewed by a local radio station and during the interview I was asked who influenced me into being a teacher and I mentioned the teacher/professor from the first college I attended. Shortly after the interview, a listener called the producer to give her information about the teacher, information included that she was 102. How remarkable is that? I didn’t even know that she was still alive. I immediately made plans to visit her in July. Only that was not to be, a month after I had gotten word that she was alive, I discovered via YouTube, that her funeral was literally the day before I opened my YouTube app! Here we go again, more devastation! I was now questioning everything and wondering what was going on. I decided to watch the YouTube video a few days after and was pleasantly surprised to find out that during the reading the remembrance, the older gentleman (my teacher’s/professor’s cousin) mentioned that he had heard my interview on the radio station, called the radio station to give them the professor’s information. So again, I realized that my “mini launch” was not mini at all! It was ordained! How many of us still marginalize our experiences instead of turning the events into learning experiences and are simply grateful for them. I am learning to do so! With the publication of my book, I have had some interesting experiences, some of them sad but overall, they seemed to have been waiting for the book to be published so the book can be highlighted and exposed. There are lives that have been touched by simply reading it and based on the reviews on the various platforms that it is being sold and the personal ones that I have gotten I feel certain that God made it published in His Perfect Time.
I recently spoke with one of my aunts. I had called her for Mother’s Day and didn’t get to speak to her, then called again and didn’t get her either, so this was her returning my call. I had been taking a nap after a long day at work but was excited to hear from her. I quickly pulled myself up to sit in the bed so I could talk to her. She knew from the sound of my voice that I was sleeping and wanted to call another time so I could go back to bed. I insisted that it was okay and that I could talk. I knew that there was no time like the present and I could miss a great opportunity to talk to her. So glad I did! It was so refreshing and fulfilling. I was reminded of how calm and encouraging she is, and I had to make sure I told her, so she was aware that I noticed. She calmly responded that it didn’t come easily but as she got older, she realized that she had to get closer to God so she can know how to love others and be kind. I am happy for the impact that she made on me just with the words of encouragement and her gentile spirit.
A month ago, I was privileged enough to publish my first book, a memoir and I got the opportunity to launch it in the country of my birth, Jamaica. I shared this amazing experience with many friends and relatives who literally made me feel like a queen. During that same time of the launch celebration, I was interviewed by a TV station and a radio station. As I was interviewed by the radio personality, I was asked who influenced me to be a teacher and I immediately thought of a former professor I had who impacted and impressed me to teach because of her style of teaching and her passion for teaching. I couldn’t remember the professor’s name as I was interviewed when asked and thankfully based on what I said, a listener called give the name of the person and was able to even say that she is still alive at age 102! This information was exciting to hear, and I going to try desperately to get in touch with her when I return to Jamaica.
More intriguing events keep happening another to be mentioned is that a month ago, two new students joined my community of learners. Yes, you might even make comments including, the fact that there are 30 days left of the school year. Of course, that is a fact, however, I saw the joys and the impact I could make on those students’ lives even though they don’t speak English. I saw nothing but more experience for the other students who by now were excited as they welcomed them with beautiful smiles and hugs. I thought about the various countries that were represented in our community. The countries include, Colombia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Ukraine, and U S A. I was ready to celebrate each person by getting the flags of the country they represented. I wanted them to feel connected so learning could also be encouraged. The joy that I felt as they started repeating English words and the new words, they are understanding during the short time span that they have been our community of learners. It really encouraged me that I am making a positive impact on them. I have a passion for learning and teaching and want to pass it on to my learning community.
It is also with pride that I celebrate each student’s academic growth since the start of the school year since September. They have grown academically similarly like trees that are rooted and grounded and I feel certain that I have impacted them positively. I feel that since so many people have made a positive impact on me, I want to make that kind of impact on my students. Each person in her own way assisted in some way or other, my aunt, my former professor, my friend’s mom, (who was also a teacher), who embraced me and told me that I belonged to her family and all the others – they have made me grow deeper in my career and they did so through love! We can empower each other by being loving and kind.
For many of us this period has been very overwhelming and maybe difficult. There are those who are cracking under pressure including financial, loss of jobs, mental health issues, learning loss and for some it can be that we are experiencing all of them. Since as teachers we wear many different hats, we try to fix all of them in the classroom yet, we are suffering silently and at times it seems as if we are all alone because it seems as if no one cares or understands. Of course, we are humans and can crack too. I believe that it is always necessary to stay on the trail but also important to take a break. It seems as if administrators, fellow teachers, parents, and students just don’t get it – even though we try to do the right thing professionally, words are thrown at the educator as if he/she is not human and have no feelings. Yes, it is also easy to say, “Oh she is so sensitive, she gets upset for everything!” But who gives that person the right to say that or even think that that person is not supposed to deal with her feelings? Words affect people differently and we should be mindful of what we say to each other.
Life can be so unkind sometimes and to add to our sadness, there are wars, sickness, meanness, and on and on. The struggles are real, and we are forced to grin and bear things but also stay on the trail and do everything that is considered good. Stay on the trail and pretend that we don’t struggle, or nothing bothers us. We must take time to breathe and even check in with our mental health and do things that make us feel special. For me, it’s the little things that help me to just breathe, things like spending time with family and do things that are on my bucket list. Speaking of bucket list, I had the opportunity to go explore the Grand Canyon in Arizona. For the first time in a long while I was able to forget about teaching and dealing with administrators but to take in nature at that breathtaking place. Truth is the experience was more than words could tell or maybe my words. In one day, I experienced three seasons the temperature went from 60 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit where it even iced (slushy snow) and then it went straight to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The day was eventful, and I got a chance to see and reflect on God’s splendor. The experience was enjoyable, yet vibrant. I knew that this was also another learning experience for me. God placed me there for a reason, the friends who accompanied me on this journey I got to know better and learned so much of the things we share. It gave me the opportunity to take a break, reflect, laugh, and enjoy nature. And how could I forget, I also am very grateful for the fact that I was able to have the experience and use all my given senses. I came face to face with the love of life and God’s Grace towards me. It encouraged me to look at my inner core and who I am based on the various rocks and their formation. There were rocks of various sizes, colors, depth among other things. Just simply amazing! One of the big things that this experience also taught was simply how to stay on the right trail or course of action. Set goals and stick to them, don’t get distracted or I could get lost. Don’t focus on the meanness of what others say or do because they could be lost too and unsure who they are or what makes them tick.
On the journey, I was able to stop at the Hoover Dam and watched in awe at how vast the space was and how the people who built the dam suffered during the building of this beautiful place so we could enjoy. The Mike O’ Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial which linked Nevada and Arizona Bridge showed me how beautiful things could happen if we could come together as one and we stayed on the trail to reach the wonderful Grand Canyon. This breath-taking wander of the world arched 1,900 feet bridge was made of concrete and steel and spans over 1,500 feet downstream from the Hoover Dam. What a moment it was for me? I started thinking of the difference I was making in the lives of my students, and I needed to stay on the trail and continue to make a difference even when I feel like giving up or want to stop because of the meanness of others I might meet. My gift to help others should not stop and better yet, I won’t stop at mediocrity. What can you do to stay on the trail?
By Marci D
