We have been discussing the historical events and eras that have shaped the course of education throughout history. Reflect on an event in your life that has shaped the course of your life with relation to education. It could be an event that affected your course as a student, your decision to enter the education field or your ideals as a future teacher. Include the event, at what age the event occurred and the manner in which it affected you.

I cannot recall any pivotal moments when I decided, "I'm going to college." In my family, it was never a case of "if you go to college," rather, "when you go to college." Looking back I realize that I was fortunate to have been raised with that mentality. I lived in a poor neighborhood with my Mother and younger sister. My Daddy called once a month or so; not because he didn't care, but because it was all that was allowed. Even within those short conversations, he ALWAYS inquired about school and asked about college. I also happened to be blessed with wonderful, caring teachers. Teachers who took the time to work with us individually and encouraged creative thinking, problem solving, independence, and group collaboration. Academically, I excelled. Statistically, I was dealt a losing hand. I believe what set me apart from my peers is that I didn't know I was losing. I didn't understand the rules of the game. Fast forward. Scene: Freshman year of high school. Two girls become pregnant. Best friend moves away. Sophomore year: Four more pregnancies. Gang violence breaks out. Several peers begin to drop out. Junior year: Best friend drops out. More pregnancies. Drugs become a second language. I move to Indiana and my little sister and I become very close. Together we realize that we do not want to live the way we were raised. At the time, "A's" came easy for us. They weren't a big deal. It wasn't long before we realized that those easy "A's" were our Golden Tickets to Freedom. To Success. To Happiness. Homework took on a new meaning. I was working for my future. Senior year provided me with the opportunity to Cadet teach with first graders. The school I was in reminded me of the neighborhood I had lived in. When I asked one of the kids what he wanted to be when he grew up, he told me, "oh, I'll probably work at McDonald's with my Mom." At that moment I knew I had to teach. As adults, we need to lay the foundation for success down early. I want every child to know that it doesn't matter where you come from or what your parents do. YOU can do ANYTHING you set your mind to.