Statistics were the reason that I decided to teach
in inner city Memphis; now I teach for Danielle, Kenan, Tierney, Terrence, and
so many more. I have over 200 reasons to continue teaching, and that number
will grow until every single student has access to the education they deserve. I know that each one of my scholars is as
capable of succeeding as those students who are statistically advantaged
because of their zip codes. How? I have
seen it in their determination and drive, and I have seen their mindsets be
transformed to ones of anticipation of success.
All it takes is someone who believes in them. Someone who believes in them so much they
will never give up.
The reality is
stark. In our state, there are students
who are more than two years behind by the time they enter middle school. According to statistics, their education will
set only 1 in 10 children to graduate college. But I teach because my
students give me hope. They give me the
realization that statistics do not determine futures; only individuals do. Jeremiah gave me hope when he began to not
use his unfortunate childhood as an excuse, but as a motivator. Courtney gave me hope when she took the initiative
to get out my projector to teach a lesson to a classroom full of girls when
they had a few spare minutes. All of
them give me hope as they stare back at me a week before the TCAP, hanging on
to every word of instruction to prove those who believe in statistics are wrong. They are capable. I am confident that my students will be
successful. Not because of me, but
because of them. Because of their hard
work and determination. All that has to
be evoked in every student is that same hope.
