So our school year progressed and nothing was ever mentioned about the event again...all clear riiiight????? WRONG. Mrs. Day came into the school yesterday and said, "Oh Ms. Graham I am so busy with this event that I forgot to reschedule our conference....blah blah blah....I can't wait to see you on Saturday for the big event!!!" OH SH*T was the first thing I wanted to say. But, being the polite lady that I am, I explained that I had completely forgotten and didn't even realize that it was happening tomorrow. I also had already made plans to be Mr. Burbank's date to the Teach For America holiday party. I did tell her that I would write something for her to read to the group on my behalf. Below is what I wrote for Mrs. Day to share....I thought you might appreciate. :-)
My most sincere apologies for not being in attendance tonight. My name is Dana Graham and for those who do not know, I teach Belinda’s daughter Stanya. I have been a teacher for 6 years at Piedmont Avenue School right here in Oakland. When I was a child, I grew up in a loving home with more than enough and access to all the resources I needed in order to ensure my success in school and life. I graduated from high school near the top of my class and went on to attend Michigan State University. It was at MSU that I made the choice to take on the most challenging and rewarding career; I decided that I would be a teacher. As I progressed in school, I began to feel frustrated and discouraged by the overwhelming data that showed that the education urban America received was substandard. It was then, I made the choice to teach in Oakland. I chose Oakland because there was a need for hardworking, dedicated educators and I fit that mold. I hoped to help provide for my students what I was provided in school – a high quality teaching and learning.
The key to success is education. Unfortunately, our society does not glorify schooling. Many children today are more concerned about the newest fashion trends and music videos, than they are about reading and math. It is our job - parents, teachers, community members – to instill the importance of learning in our children. We must demand our children work hard in school and value their education.
Sadly, many kids do not have supportive and encouraging families. Too many children need the support from friends, teachers, and mentors in order to be successful. I believe that all children have the ability to be something special. I believe all children can work hard and achieve their goals. It is our job to help the youth in our community believe in themselves. It is through organizations like Project Darreis, that we can come together and provide assistance to families in need. We can be sportive role models to our children and help them find the inspiration to go on when times are tough.
Two years ago, President Barack Obama spoke to America’s youth in a speech he gave at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. His words were powerful and inspiring. President Obama addressed parents, teachers, and students about the importance of education and hard work. He spoke directly to the young people of America and said:
“…at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life -- what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you've got going on at home -- none of that is an excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude in school. That's no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. There is no excuse for not trying. Where you are right now doesn't have to determine where you'll end up. No one's written your destiny for you, because here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.”
So let’s work together – parents, community, and teachers – to help our children choose education. Let us partner up and provide a supportive and nurturing environment for our children to flourish and pick a path that is both righteous and honorable. I have committed myself to Oakland’s youth. It is my hope that I can help my students pick up books and not weapons, use words and not fists, and be successful in life. Violence is not the solution to our problems. Love, support, and education conquer all.
Now playing...The Greatest Love of All by Whitney Houston
