What role do you play in education?

I am a seventh grade English language arts teacher at Strive Prep Montebello.

How long have you been in education? 

I have been in education for 11 years and I have been teaching for 9 years. 

Why do you think education is important?

It goes back to a quote that I saw a long time ago in grade school that “knowledge is power.” I take it to heart when my ancestors weren’t allowed to read and write. They kept us ignorant and it made me wonder, why didn’t they allow us to read and write? Because they knew that there was power in knowing what’s going on around you and educating yourself. So that’s why I think education is extremely powerful. 

What do you love most about your role in education?

The kids! I have learned to hide my surprise when something really crazy comes out of their mouths and I’m like…okay!  But I do, I love the kids. I am so fascinated with how their minds work. I love to watch the, “aha” moment when they get it. I love it when they’re like, thank you Mrs. Douglas for being there for me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for helping me. Even when we get on your nerves, you are still there for us. So it’s the kids!

What is the best advice you have received about impacting the education sector? 

The best advice that I have received, and I won’t say that this is advice, I would say that it’s more of a culmination of learning experiences. You will never be perfect. There’s no such thing as a perfect teacher. But you have to do the best that you can. If you love what you are doing, then everything else will come together. If the kids see that you’re passionate about the work, then their going to take their education more seriously, whether they like it or not. They kids may say, I hate to read but Mrs. Douglas loves it, or I hate my math, but Mr. Fashaw loves it. I’m going to try to do my best for them. If you bring your love and passion towards it, the kids will see that and respond to it. 

What advice would you give to the  younger generation about their education? 

You have to have the basics and always learn. It doesn’t matter how you learn. Whether it’s a four-year college, a vocational school or in the military, keep learning. Wherever you can get some kind of learning experience and some kind of educational experience jump on it and learn it. You’re never too old to learn something new. You can always learn something new.

Interview By Kenya Fashaw

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Self Submission