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My name story.

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Being a full time student, while also working full time takes a lot of sacrifice. It also requires a lot of studying. My literacy practice that I engage in everyday involves some form of homework and/or studying. I decided to include these two books in the picture because they are both areas that I want to improve in. I admit, I would like to be doing other, but right now I'm committed to investing in myself and setting an example for my daughter.

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A favorite literacy practice I do as a form of self-care, is read. My schedule right now doesn't allow much time to do so, but when I do I really enjoy the down time. I've taken a picture of my favorite spot to read. Here you see a single chair and ottoman. It's tucked in the corner, next to the window. I am fan of natural light, so this spot is perfect. I often find myself in this spot on the weekends or when it's raining. I love reading when it rains! I crack open the window and listen to the rain. It's soothing. So much so, a power nap might just take place.

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I had my daughter at a young age. So that part after high school where you go off to college, make lifelong friendship, join sororities etc etc etc. Well my life took a different path. Instead, I became responsible for myself, plus another human being. Becoming a parent at a young age changed my life drastically. Of course none of what happened was intentionally sought after, but it happened. To this day, making the decision to keep my child has made life more fulfilling. My daughter is my motivation. But, in becoming an adult, then mother in just a matter of months, I went through a period of hurt, disappointment, and resentment. Eat, Pray, Love is the book that helped me gain a better outlook, changed my perception. You can't tell through the actual picture, but this book is worn. I carried this book everywhere and it's highlighted throughout. Liz evolved in this book. She traveled. She lived. Something I have highlighted is "Faith is belief in what you cannot see or prove or touch. Faith is walking face-first and full-speed into the dark. If we truly  knew all the answers in advance as to the meaning of life and the nature of God and the destiny of our souls, our belief would not be a leap of faith and it would not be courageous act of humanity; it would just be .... a prudent insurance policy." (Gilbert, Elizabeth; 2007, c2006)

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My culture, values, and beliefs are all rooted in my faith in God. I am a grandchild of a pastor and praying grandmother. Therefore, I was born and raised in the church. When I was able to carry myself to church, not one person had to pressure, it had already been instilled. It was in my nature. This upbringing I am absolutely thankful for. It has created a foundation/relationship for me that is very personal, without judgement, and brought me through rough time after rough time. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of fellowship. I also believe, going to church does not make you exempt from sin nor does it makes you better than. As for my family ... my grandmother is the one who set the tradition. The majority of the holidays, we gather for a meal. Summers are the best, plenty of cookouts! My father raised me, so we too made our own traditions. One I continue to do with my own daughter is going to the movies on big holidays. For my picture, is a page from the Our Daily Bread Ministries. It's a book that comes through the mail every quarter. Full of personal and family devotions. It is special to me because at any time I can flip through and find something meaningful in the time of need.

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Having great power or strength - Powerful. This is a favorite characteristic about myself that I have grown to become. I had not been this way my entire life, but life has molded me to be. Motherhood has also played a role in making me greater. In this picture, it captures me in one of my elements -  football. Tomboy most definitely. I am an athlete and continue to keep an active lifestyle. In this picture, myself and teammate are on defense, attempting to stop the opponent. I look at this snippet of a moment as life itself. Tackling any and everything headed my way, no matter the difficulty ... with power. This picture I also saw fit because NEVER EVER have I worked so hard in a sport. Being a defensive end, taught me to be more aware of my surroundings and to keep pressing, keep fighting. Although I felt defeated at times, I became relentless and my strength grew.

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... on teaching culturally diverse students I believe is my ability to connect with them. At the core of my heart, I too am a big kid. I love to learn and have fun. In the classrooms that I have had the pleasure of being part of, I have been able to build trust with students. This in return lead to respect and bonds built. The picture below may not seem like it connects to topic, but let me explain. This picture is of artwork done by a fifth grader. A fifth grader I have not worked with. However, she is in my old mentor teachers class and has seen me come in and out of their room. Just with this little interaction, we both have learned each others name and had small talk. She now comes to my current class to say good morning and share anything she is proud of. The simple gesture of showing kindness and being authentic have left an impression, hence now we both check on one another. I have noticed, children can sense when adults care and because of, they present their best self. They want to make you proud.

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This is my vision board for 2019. It's my important object that I look at everyday. My daily reminder and constant source of self-check. It is hung purposefully. It's also important to me because this craft is done as a family. It not only represents me individually, but also as part of the African American culture and as a Black woman. My board includes words of affirmation, people, goals, a prayer, and words that describe my personality. Overall, this piece of work is used to keep me focused and encouraged. #IAMCAPABLE

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Milsap                                   

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Milsap                                   

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My privilege stems from my last name, my father - Willie Milsap. He is an advocate for people of color and a bridge bringing communities together. I only know my father to be a problem solver. Milsap is known throughout my hometown. Retired firefighter, 5th Ward Councilman and County Commissioner. Below, you see him cutting the ribbon at the "Community Conservation Walk". This is very brief, but my father is a living, real super hero to many people. Because of him, I was protected. Because of him, my color sometimes did not matter. Because of him, I never went without. Because of him, employment had never been an issue. Because of my father’s influence and status, life had cushion. I realize, because of my father, I had advantages other kids did not have. I was fortunate and know exactly what privilege is, feels like AND how so many are without.

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My cultural bias, discomfort, and fear all have to do with the lack of equality among groups. Seeing the world as it, in such a mess, full of hate, inequality is even more real. The unfair policing of minorities. Our flawed justice system. Inhumane immigration laws and practices. Social injustices. The wage disparity between men and women. Students being mistreated and overlooked. The list could go on and on. Inequality is a huge concern that I have and feel deeply because I am a minority. To show this in the form of a photo, I have drawn the "not equal to" sign. I felt the sign was appropriate because no action in the list above is fair or equal. The world we live in now, acts as if wrong is right and right is wrong. My fear is that inequalities will continue to exist and because of, this is one reason why I want to become an educator.  To make a positive impact in the lives of children. To be an advocate for those in need. To show good does exist. Overall, to mold better human beings.

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A fear I have.
A teachers responsibility is large. What's expected of them is even larger. How a teacher manages their class is also important. In all actuality, a teacher has many roles. Preventing and solving discipline problems is just one of their roles and is a fear I have going into my first year of teaching. Classroom management is such a crucial component and impacts the flow of a class. In sharing my fear with a professor, I was given this book as a resource. Something I've known, but this book reinforces the impact of positive relationships, which forms a positive discipline plan. This book also provides strategies for developing strong relationships with students, which helps decrease discipline incidents.