Inspirational Quotes from Educational Contributors

 

Marian Wright Edelman

"The future which we hold intrustfor our own children will be shaped by our fairness to otherpeople's children".


"You're not obligated to win. You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day".

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Susan Bredekamp

"Children benefit most from teachers who have the skills, knowledge, and judgment to make good decisions and are given the opportunity to use them." 


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Louise Derman Sparks

“The passion was that all children were taught in an environment that truly nurtured their ability to develop and grow.” 

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MY PERSONAL CHILDHOOD

Lucy Angela Terry

November 20, 1964

My mother, Lucy Mae Terry, has been by influential and spiritual guide from birth.  She raised her 9 biological children and 5 adopted children as a single parent.  My mom showed me how to live a caring and giving life as she would not hesitate to feed the community or take in neighbors who needed temporary housing.  


Teacher-mother was the title Mrs. Terry held throughout her life.  She would hold class with my siblings and me when we were too young to attend school.  Then, as we grew older, she would advance our books to hold class everyday after school and on Saturdays.  Sundays were left to early morning gospel music and cleaning.  Lucy Mae Terry was a true villager -- helping to raise all children.

The death of my dad, Willie Terry, influenced my understanding of unity within a family.  Although my dad died when I was only three, I can recall the family pulling together to fill that void.  Other family members had to take the role of provider to support the family.  Also, the my brother had to step up and become the male figure in the family.  His absence only made us stronger.


My oldest sister Cheryl took on the nurturing role as my mom had to work in a laundromat to make ends meet.  My sister influenced my desire to assist parents who feel overwhelmed by added responsibility, but feel they should give more to their child's education.  Like Cheryl, I have gone above and beyond to make sure children hold dear to their most memorable moment (ex. purchasing a student's graduation garb when the parent could not).  Cheryl would make sure her own son's needs were address as she support us -- her siblings.


Angelo is my oldest brother and he had a tough job growing up.  He had to fend for 7 sisters and 1 brother, being the older male in the house.  I am inspired by his had working ethics as he would go out early every morning to find menial work that would put food on the table.  I believe he has influenced by work ethics as I am prone to stay at work long past the end of the day to finish a project or to help others.

A TOUCHING STORY

A story about a child that touched my heart was when one of my 6th grade students did not want to go to graduation because her mother could not afford to purchase an outfit regulated by the school. Her mom had 8 children and worked as a Security Officer in an overnight resident home for adults. This child had worked really hard to achieve the success she had mastered and I could not find it in my heart to have her miss walking across the stage. Subsequently, I purchased her dress and shoes, another teacher (who had had her as a 5th grade student) paid for her to go to the hair salon, and another teacher (just being kind) sent her to the nail salon. She was absolutely beautiful and grateful. Her mom could not stop thanking me.