I have the privilege of teaching college students and find this to be one of the more fulfilling jobs that I've ever had. College students bring an energizing passion for life, faith, and justice that is incredibly contagious. I can often see myself in their lives and stories. It was only 12 years ago that I graduated with my undergraduate degree. Now I've been married for over a decade and pregnant with our third child. I'm still cool enough to connect and old enough to counsel. It's this time of year that students stop by after class and ask if I "have some time to talk." My mind quickly scans over their academic performance, potential red flags I've noticed in attendance, behavior, or attitude, and agree to set aside some time to see them. Sometimes their concerns are about mental health as they know I am also a mental health therapist. I assess them for safety, affirm them for coming forward, and pass them along to a competent, licensed clinician. Bu...
When I was a kid my best friend and I would always say that we wanted to be teachers. I remember thinking that grading papers would be quite fulfilling. While my buddy went on to complete her education degree, I worked towards my social work degree and figured my childhood goal was just an overflow of my desire to hold my teachers' hands. Fast forward eleven years after college graduation and I get to be a teacher after all. And now that I'm a mom, a teacher, and I have the privilege to walk alongside students and at-risk children, I think I can somewhat connect to the various fears, joys, and experiences that come with a new school year. Dear Parents, May you feel peace that your children are equipped for the things they will face this upcoming school year. And even if they're not ready, may God give them the grace and resilience they need to grow from adversity. May you muster up the courage to trust their teachers to guide their morality a...