My fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Donna Blackman, was the first adult in my life, outside of my family, to truly see me as a person, and not just a student, or a kid. She saw me, and all of my classmates as full whole people and made sure we knew of it as well. Her unwavering support and genuine interest in my thoughts and feelings ignited a spark in me that pushed me to become the teacher I am today.

I decided to try something new for a project. I noticed that my class was really interested in biographical books lessons and decided to blend the research of a traditional Black History Month Project and create a mini magazines. When I printed and hung up their magazines, my students beamed with pride. They excitedly showed their friends in other classes and asked for extra copies to bring home to their families.