In the Presence of a Legend
During my sophomore year of high school my English teacher invited me and about 4 or 5 other students to attend a question and answer session with the incomparable James Baldwin. At this point I had read several of his books and was in awe of the man. I immediately jumped at the opportunity not…
It Takes a Village
After graduating from college I returned home to pursue other career goals as did many of my friends from high school. It was during the fall of that year that an article appeared in one of the local New York City (NYC) newspapers listing the worst fifty schools in New York State. This rating included…
Tawking, Wawking and Drinking Cawfee: Ode to the Big Apple
Anyone who truly knows me understands that no matter where I live, I will always be a New York girl. My upbringing becomes quite evident when my vernacular automatically shifts while among family and friends who are also native to the lower portion of the state. I am also the consummate tourist, scouting out new…
My Biggest Regret
There are few things in my life that I regret because I believe in the philosophy that life is a journey with unchartered paths and detours. However, I had one encounter with a student during my first official year as a teacher that keeps me wondering to this day. What happened to that student? It…
The Bridge
One of my favorite old-school hip-hop songs is “The Bridge” by MC Shan. This song not only captivated me with its soul stirring beats, but it was Shan’s impeccable delivery and lyrics that epitomized New York City. While I suppose Shan was merely trying to idolize the bridge itself because it lends its name to…
Teen Domestic Violence (Originally posted May 3, 2021)
The sun shines brightly through the windows as a multitude of birds serenade the first days of spring. It has been months since we have been able to drink in the aroma of freshly cut grass, honeysuckle bushes, and the queen of the south, the enchanted lady herself, the magnolia flower. I open the windows…
Oscar the Grouch
I have a confession to make. I am a stuffed animal fan. This does not mean that I was one of those chicks with a thousand teddy bears on her bed. Heck no! I had better things to purchase with my money. Actually, I’ve never purchased a stuffed animal for myself. Others have bestowed them…
School to Prison Pipeline
Is there some truth behind the theory that our public schools are nothing more than pipelines to prison? It is believed to be like the underground railroad but in reverse. Where the underground railroad was an intricate system of people who, by covert measures, helped enslaved people escape from bondage to freedom, the school to…
There’s No Place Like Home: The Homeless Crisis in America
The dimly lit room had only fallen silent just two hours prior. Up until that point, pockets of conversation could be heard above the nasal infected snorers. Like an unwelcomed splash of cold water to the face, the lights come on glaring brightly, cutting through the mist and haze of confusion, trying to identify your…
Growing Pains
Oh, seventh grade! How wonderful and frustrating. It is the year where most young bodies begin to transform, and voices begin to drop an octave. Albeit these are natural occurrences that everyone experiences, the transition is not always easy for some children. As a teacher, you must have memory recall about your own experiences growing…
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A Paige from my Book 