A Short Look Back Shapes A Long Future Ahead
In analyzing my decision to earn a master’s degree, i took a look back and examined two significant factors: my paternal grandmother, and her parents.
While my parents (who are now both deceased) have positively impacted my life, it is my dad’s mother, my Granny, who has left a resounding impact upon my life. My granny introduced me to God when I was a mere child, about ten years old. I still has vivid memories of my granny cooking big breakfasts, Saturday or Sunday mornings when our family visited her. I can still smell the savory aromas that filled my granny’s home: bacon, sausage, eggs, Smithfield ham, made-from-scratch biscuits, gravy, and fried chicken. The fried green tomatoes are also a part of my vivid memories of my beloved grandmother. Granny would have the family all kneel beside their chairs on the cold floor; our nostrils would fill with the delicate, steamy scents coming from the meal sitting on top of the table, and our mouths would water with great anticipation. As Granny prayed, and prayed for what seemed like two weeks, I would often stray to my own prayer: dear Lord, please let us eat before the food gets cold.
I also remember how my Granny invited strangers, who invariably showed up at her door, into her home. My Granny always offered them a meal in her soft voice, and I seem to faintly recall that she kept a place setting for an extra guest. I have tried my best to continue my Granny’s legacy of caring for others.
Along with my grandmother, my parents have left me a legacy that embodies integrity, responsibility, and a firm work ethic. I am so thankful to God that my parents believed in the value of becoming educated. They taught me to be present daily for school, to prepare homework assignments for their due dates without excuses, and to always have a time and place set aside to complete schoolwork. My Granny and my parents are a part of my past, but they contribute to who I am today. Their love for God, values, and appreciation of education, have shaped me and have helped me to endeavor to always want to improve myself.
I have observed that students are a digital generation, are accustomed to instant feedback, and many adhere to the philosophy that less work equals great rewards. Teaching today’s digital generation means that we teachers must continue to be engaging, animated, and compassionate.
A short look back shapes a long future ahead. My Granny and my parents contribute to the person I have become. I am so appreciative. Though they did not aspire to millions, they did not mind working, and realizing that being responsible and diligent yield more than wealth could ever buy.
Pamela Hairston
In analyzing my decision to earn a master’s degree, i took a look back and examined two significant factors: my paternal grandmother, and her parents.
While my parents (who are now both deceased) have positively impacted my life, it is my dad’s mother, my Granny, who has left a resounding impact upon my life. My granny introduced me to God when I was a mere child, about ten years old. I still has vivid memories of my granny cooking big breakfasts, Saturday or Sunday mornings when our family visited her. I can still smell the savory aromas that filled my granny’s home: bacon, sausage, eggs, Smithfield ham, made-from-scratch biscuits, gravy, and fried chicken. The fried green tomatoes are also a part of my vivid memories of my beloved grandmother. Granny would have the family all kneel beside their chairs on the cold floor; our nostrils would fill with the delicate, steamy scents coming from the meal sitting on top of the table, and our mouths would water with great anticipation. As Granny prayed, and prayed for what seemed like two weeks, I would often stray to my own prayer: dear Lord, please let us eat before the food gets cold.
I also remember how my Granny invited strangers, who invariably showed up at her door, into her home. My Granny always offered them a meal in her soft voice, and I seem to faintly recall that she kept a place setting for an extra guest. I have tried my best to continue my Granny’s legacy of caring for others.
Along with my grandmother, my parents have left me a legacy that embodies integrity, responsibility, and a firm work ethic. I am so thankful to God that my parents believed in the value of becoming educated. They taught me to be present daily for school, to prepare homework assignments for their due dates without excuses, and to always have a time and place set aside to complete schoolwork. My Granny and my parents are a part of my past, but they contribute to who I am today. Their love for God, values, and appreciation of education, have shaped me and have helped me to endeavor to always want to improve myself.
I have observed that students are a digital generation, are accustomed to instant feedback, and many adhere to the philosophy that less work equals great rewards. Teaching today’s digital generation means that we teachers must continue to be engaging, animated, and compassionate.
A short look back shapes a long future ahead. My Granny and my parents contribute to the person I have become. I am so appreciative. Though they did not aspire to millions, they did not mind working, and realizing that being responsible and diligent yield more than wealth could ever buy.
Pamela Hairston