I’ve sat down several times over the last few weeks and tried to write a new post. Each time, about three sentences in, I’ve stopped, closed my iPad or laptop, and said, “I’ll come back to this later.” A month went by, and still no post.

I realized today that I hadn’t been able to write anything because I was trying to write something other than what I was feeling. Trying to write on top of a mountain of emotions. That was never the intention of my Open Book blog. My goal was for it to be a place where I could share thoughts, experiences, recommendations, and student stories; but do so in a transparent way, so that you would always hear my voice, and always see me. I am the open book. I’d made that decision so that my students and families would truly know who they’re trusting, and in that spirit, I really wanted to share with you what’s been on my mind.

There’s a pandemic. I know you know this. But, there’s a pandemic!

Still!

It’s been three months, and we’re still dealing with a pandemic. How everyone deals is certainly different, but as someone who has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since the age of 11, this is still very much a reality for me. I still have to operate in the most cautious of ways. I’m balancing my health and safety, with others ability to move on from it, and it’s been challenging. Thankfully, I’m a bit of a homebody, so being home is okay, but balancing physical health and mental/social needs is a challenge for those of us that must be vigilant, even without an unmanaged health crisis lingering.

Aside from the world health crisis, schools, and therefore my professional life, being completely overwhelmed, and trying to maintain any sense of stability and joy, I also have to remind you that I am black. Seems so silly. Of course you know this. But, no, really... 

I am a black woman.
I am a black woman that lives in a community where I am often one of the only black people in a room. I am a black woman, with brown skin that I love, curly hair (or straight, or braided, or twisted, or tied up in a turban or scarf, because I get bored- haha!), a bit of sass (or a lot), a huge pair of hoop earrings, and, in the best of moments, a big smile and loud laugh! 

I am a black woman that loves learning, loves writing, loves the English language, and all of its complexities, and loves teaching kids to love all these things. I am a black woman that has lived in 4 states, has worked everywhere from the Detroit Zoo and Macaroni Grill, to leading in the corporate world; and has a love of the ocean that some would say borders on obsessive. I am a lover of music, and I love to sing, and write lyrics too. This is who I am. ALL of it.

My students see all of this, including my color. I want them to! I want them to know it’s a good thing to value people for all of what makes them who they are. Every part of me, including my race and culture, is crucial to the experiences they will have with me. I don’t ever want to not be fully seen, not fully valued, in any setting. 

I’m grateful for my students and their tender, open hearts. They see me, and write the sweetest notes to tell me how much they love me. They don’t know how much this means to me, but it’s truly a gift. A credit I give to their parents for raising such loving, little humans, that I hope grow into loving, big humans.

A few of my amazing families asked about diversifying their books at home, and in the texts and writing topics we cover in our instruction. I do some of this naturally, but I love this request so much. There are many resources online that offer book lists for this purpose. I also updated my Read With Me page for some suggestions there as well.

It’s a great idea to expose children to writers, characters, and stories that are diverse so they’re better prepared for what is the reality of our world. It’s so much bigger than what any of us see in our immediate circles. I learned so much moving from MI to GA, GA to FL, and now in So. Cal. Every place taught me something new because the cultures, communities, and people were so vastly different. Over the years, my greatest take away has been that you’ll only know what you explore. Books certainly close a lot of this gap! Books can open your world, and your mind, but only if the books, characters, and voices aren’t the same. Make sure your book shelf reflects the world you want to know.

I encourage you to check out the list here, and let me know if you’ve read any of these books already, or which ones you’ll tackle first!

Thank you for allowing me to share my heart with you. Not just today, but in each post.

Next week, I’ll share with you a few tips for preventing some of that dreaded summer regression!

Happy (diverse) reading, everyone!

-Tia