Born Bright: A Reflection

I started reading Born Bright: A Young Girl's Journey from Nothing to Something in America by C. Nicole Mason on a Friday night.  While I made it through about 20 pages, I eventually found myself sleep and the book on my side.  Not because I wasn’t drawn in, but being the washed almost 30-year-old that I am, I can’t stay up past 10 PM at times!

I picked the book back up on Saturday afternoon and was done with the 200 plus page book by early evening.   The author recounts her life, growing up in California.  Born to a teen mother, she didn’t realize growing up that she was poor.  So many expectations, or lack thereof, were placed on her based on her skin color and socioeconomic status.  I identified with her the most as she talked about how much she enjoyed school and found solace in being the best student she could be. I, too, loved school and this is just another reminder of the impact that teachers and schools can have on the lives of students. 

As I reflect, there are so many elements of the story that pulled me in.  Despite the instances of doubt, struggle and pain Mason experienced, as a reader, I was ready for the silver lining, the wins she would experience, as well as the wins for her family.  I was ready for the moment where her mother began to show her love, for the moment when she would be saved from being violated by her stepfather, for the relationship between her and her father to be better.  Seeing the letters PhD behind the author’s name was proof that she had risen above her childhood challenges, but reading about the moments leading up to her arriving on campus at Howard University made me happy and excited for her and the many students in similar situations.

From the beginning of the book, I began visualizing Mason as a young girl, along with the places and people in her life.  I thought about how I could see her story woven in the stories of my own life and the lives of the students I have the opportunity to serve on a daily basis.   In working with students, I sometimes have to think of the privileges I have been afforded, such as attending a college prep high school, attending and graduating from college and holding a master’s degree..  I’ve been reminded on a few instances that some of our students truly desire to attend college, yet the process of getting there is so cumbersome.  It’s not just applying and being accepted.  There’s financial aid, persistence, retention and graduation – topics that each need their own posts to tackle.

What are my takeaways? To continue to listen. While it is important to have boundaries with students, it is also important for them to have cheerleaders for them along the way.  My boundary is that I don’t answer texts and emails after 9 PM, but I recognize the resource role that I play with students.

I am also reminded why it is important to ask questions and to be culturally competent.  One day, a student started sharing photos of her quinceañera with me and while I have a general understanding of the celebration, I took the chance to probe and learn even more.  That conversation grew larger as another student shared her perspective on why she chose not to have a quinceañera.  When students feel like they can be open and have trust in adults, it only helps relationships grow. 

I recommend that anyone who works with students read this book and stay in constant reflection on how they can continue the role of serving as a resource.  Our students need us and I’m committed to being there for them.

Pre-South African Chronicles...96 Days and Counting

I’m going to South Africa and Botswana! I hope my excitement about this trip is bursting through your computer screen!
            It’s crazy… in 96 days (as of Tuesday, February 6, 2012), I will be departing the United States en route to the Motherland.  Before I started college, I had never even been outside of the Midwest, so to venture to another country truly demonstrates the growth I’ve experienced in the last six years. 
            I imagine that this trip will be something like life changing, humbling, exciting, intimidating, and a host of other adjectives.  The purpose of the trip is to visit post apartheid South Africa and the democratic country of Botswana, then to do some comparison of these two places.  Unfortunately, our initial images of our African people are those of barely clothed people in jungle like environments.  I know that many African countries are not like this and I’m excited to experience such environments with my own eyes.  (Don't worry, there will be LOTS of pictures).  On the contrast, people probably believe that Americans live like the Kardashians, but we know that millions of people are currently debating on whether to pay a bill or feed their children.  (Sounds like another topic to tackle and blog about another day).
            Anyway, preparation for this trip has been fairly simple.  Applying for the program through NAU’s Center for International Education was the first step.  After Dr. Michelle Harris came to visit one of our Black Student Union meetings, I was 95% convinced that I would go on the trip. (I was still debating about the Student Affairs trip to Asia as well).  After being accepted to the program, I had to start the process of getting the necessary shots.  Thank God for insurance that will cover all of my necessary shots! I have to take some malaria pills, the only out of pocket immunization cost. 
         I keep thinking back and wishing that I had taken advantage of study abroad opportunities while I was in undergrad.  Then, I start to think about the importance of timing and undoubtedly, God’s timing is perfect.  I wasn’t ready for such excursions and now, I’m at a point where I can start small (a two week trip) and work my way up.  Also, the fact that this trip leaves the day after graduation is nothing short of divine and I’ll be back in time to fulfill my work duties (with three days to spare). I’m fortunate in the sense that the credits I’m earning on this trip will also count toward my master’s degree. I’ll count this as a definite win!