I was shocked (and still am) to be recognized as Sunflower County Consolidated School District's Teacher of the Year. Of all the other capable teachers, GOD chose me.
I am led to believe that I am here, in this place, this position, for a reason.
And I do not take it lightly.
As I reflect on the road that led me here, please let my reflections encourage you to not quit, give up, or stop dreaming no matter what it looks like and no matter how hard it gets. I’m an example of “Rock to the Beat of Your Own Drum.” Sixteen years ago, I was hurt when I had to retake one class to get an “unexplainable” undergrad degree. Back then, I was unsure of my purpose, what I wanted to do with my life; so, I teetertottered behind others. While rocking to the beat of someone else’s drum, I couldn't hear or see what I (or God) wanted for me/my life. Even in unsurety, I started rocking to the beat of my own drum, especially when I resigned from a job I had been at almost 6 years. I was unsure of my place in education; yet I continued to pray for God's guidance, boldness, and confidence. I am an example of “Man’s Rejection is God’s Protection." I have had a few employers to count me out, to overlook me because of their own prejudices and biases EVEN THOUGH I gave 100 percent (and more) of myself to ensure the job was done. I understand now that God was protecting and preparing me for a time such as this. Those jobs were not where I was meant to be for the long haul; they were only a step through on my way up. I am an example of “God’s Favor.” Many counted me out; I’m guilty of counting my own self out at times. Even then, I still prayed and wished the best for others as well as myself. I have been reminded that a purpose-driven life is real, and I realize I’m not where I am by mistake; God's favor continues to be upon me.
As many people, including several of you, have said, “This is just the beginning, this is my year, this is my season, I am so deserving, God had a purpose for what happened to me on other jobs, etc.,” I receive and believe all of it. God's timing is perfect. I may have wanted to quit school (and teaching) every day BUT when I say I love my children (my students), I mean it, and I show it with genuine smiles, needed hugs, warm welcomes, kind words, a nonjudgmental attitude, tough conversations, mental breaks and check-ins, personal awards, little happies, and whatever I feel is necessary to get them on the right track in the right mind with the right spirit.
The road to becoming SCCSD’s Teacher of the Year has not been easy; after many sleepless nights, countless shed tears, some disagreements, feelings of being lost and of not being heard or understood, and other negatives, it has all been worth it. Remember, there are no successes without failure, and there are no failures without attempts. Keep pushing.
