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Looking Toward Education's Future
on June 10, 2009
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Love the optimism! One of the quotes from the 7 Habits of Highly People is: "Effective people are not problem-minded; theyâre opportunity-minded." I...
Love the optimism! One of the quotes from the 7 Habits of Highly People is: "Effective people are not problem-minded; theyâre opportunity-minded." I moved to Ann Arbor, MI two years ago from Arlington, Virginia, and I feel the same sense of strength. One, I appreciate summers so much more! However, and probably more importantly, I appreciate when my friends here find a job, I feel more attached to the news and my community because I care, I feel more concern to support local business, and I try to act more like a responsible citizen, because I know that this state needs me. The quality of the schools and their power to engage students matters even more here in Michigan, compared to an exceptional state like Virginia, so how can we do the small but vitally important small things, like instilling in Detroit students a sense of giving back to their community, not leaving their city, or their state, after high school? How can I, a lowly grad student attending the University of Michigan, give back to the state of Michigan, and not just take away the rich resources that it provides?
on Jun 10, 2009
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I went home last week. Well, let me define home. I went to where my parents and siblings live, Nashville, Tenn. This was where I grew up — where I was formed, in many ways, as to how I think and act.
During my trip, I had the chance one afternoon to drive around for awhile by myself. I drove to neighborhoods where I could remember playing football and tennis baseball. I drove past my old church where I could remember dodging the elderly folks after a service trying to get to the church playground. I drove past my high school where I remembered the football and basketball games, the pep rallies and the school spirit I felt toward my alma mater. I thought about the teachers who I remember the most. They had high standards and, in some ways, were really tough. But in another way, these teachers put me in the center of what it was they were trying to do: teach! Maybe that's why these teachers stick out in my mind.
After eight days in Nashville, it was time to come back to what I consider my new home, metro Detroit. In today's news, Detroit is synonymous with past failures with a small future ahead. But that's not what I see. I see small communities that, with the right leadership, will be able to weather any auto industry storm. I grew up hearing about (and still like) Southern pride, but now what I see, and what I love about living in Michigan, is its Midwest resilience. It's strong, and it's powerful. This attitude says that we're going to be stronger in the future than we were in the past. This mantra screams that one day — a day that may come sooner than later — we will be the ones who have the last laugh. But we won't be laughing. We know how it feels, so rather than laughing, a hand will be extended. We will offer vision for a brighter future. Our children need that. Our government needs that. Our local communities need that. Really, we all need that.
I love visiting Nashville and seeing my family. The memories are great and the relationships are stronger than ever. But it was great to come back to my new home: the place where there is much to be done. The future is here and now, and it's exciting.
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Comments
on Jun 10, 2009
Love the optimism! One of the quotes from the 7 Habits of Highly People is: "Effective people are not problem-minded; theyâre opportunity-minded." I moved to Ann Arbor, MI two years ago from Arlington, Virginia, and I feel the same sense of strength. One, I appreciate summers so much more! However, and probably more importantly, I appreciate when my friends here find a job, I feel more attached to the news and my community because I care, I feel more concern to support local business, and I try to act more like a responsible citizen, because I know that this state needs me. The quality of the schools and their power to engage students matters even more here in Michigan, compared to an exceptional state like Virginia, so how can we do the small but vitally important small things, like instilling in Detroit students a sense of giving back to their community, not leaving their city, or their state, after high school? How can I, a lowly grad student attending the University of Michigan, give back to the state of Michigan, and not just take away the rich resources that it provides?
on Jun 10, 2009
The more you invest yourself in this area, or any area, the more you will feel attached to it. There are opportunities in this Detroit area and more that I think will be happening in the future. I'm a believer that Michigan is the place to be. Good luck in grad school!
