Things Are Looking Up Ya'll in 2021
Wow, what an entrance. Looking behind our stoic shoulders-what a painstaking year. It is without question that we, as a nation, have been tested and tried. From the ravage winds of COVID to the hot coals of systemic racism, to insurrection burning the eyes of America--we have endured much.
Yet, with a vulnerable hope locked in my chest cavity and with squinty eyes catching a glimpse of a sunrise, we shall rise from the ashes. And we are.
What do my eyes see? A first woman VP? A WOC? Come on now, LET US GO!
I'm with this incredulous courage. I don't know, something has changed within me. I'm still getting to know her, this new version of myself. You should check too. If you haven't changed somehow, I question your residence on this planet within the past year.
The mandate, I've not felt this strong. It's as if the electrifying pulsation has put paddles to my chest right before an ER nurse yells, "CLEAR."
Confessing, this past year has been horrid for so many, I mean stadiums worth. My heart collapses at their loss from the death of loved ones to a crumpling economy. Yet, with reservation I say it has been one of the best years of my life both professionally and personally.
New house, 3 national awards, a 10k grant, a thriving organization, a flourishing faith, character flaws acknowledged and under construction, a future plump with promise. Man, what can I say---damn I'm hot right now. On a roll. And here's what I've learned---when doors are off the hinges and waiting for your arrival, you betta run-not walk-in forward motion as fast as you can.
I end with this divulging secret to many...I did a thing. My latest and greatest venture. I applied for a year long fellowship with the Department of Education. Yes! The Mecca of my life's work. A very competitive program, only 2 FT fellows and 4-5 PT fellows will be hand selected from across the country. Prerequisites? You have to be an agent of change, making national and international moves with regards to equity in education, a game changer, show stopper champion for kids and all stakeholders. Gulp, dare I say I had the audacity to apply? Long story, the details are cinematic. The federal application alone took me months to edit, revise, and submit. I gave birth, for sure.
If selected, I have to advocate for a yearlong action research project that would impact policy and an educational priority from the Secretary of Education. I chose advocating for more Title 1 Funding allocations to high needs, high poverty schools across our nation. I will argue more funds need to be given to the student, adjusting to the unique needs of that district and community. This can bridge the gaps, giving at-risk students more of a chance, leveraging the playing field with their counterparts. Based on research, they are often years behind them, the more privileged and wealthy. Bad asses only! I'd move to DC for a year, leaving everything I've known behind to arrive...if only...I. GET. THIS. CHANCE. PICK ME! SO HELP ME GOD. It's not a matter of if, I declare it's only a matter of when.
Things are looking up ya'll. Get yourself a word for the year, and a verse for the year!
My word: GO!
My verse: "He who has called you is completely dependable. If He said it, He'll do it."
-1 Thessalonians 5:24 MSG
I love you. I'm rooting for you. GO do the thang. The world is both waiting and watching.