My calling

1. What is your purpose? (25 words or less.) If you had to describe your calling in life, what would you say? What are you here to do? What gift is yours to give to the world?

1.  What do you love, and how do (or will) your actions demonstrate this? (250 words or less.) We at Gaia believe that following your heart is the best way to help the whole planet. What do you care about, and what do you most enjoy doing?

            I believe most in investing in our future and showing children by doing the very same things we expect them to do.  I believe that setting an example is often greater than any lesson that might be taught on a blackboard.  By being a role model to children who are growing up in a tumultuous world, I know that I am helping to create a balance in their life.  I am fortunate to be able to be in their presence for so many hours a day and strive to make the best of that time spent together.  Through my understanding of time spent with these children, I try my hardest to help them overcome their daily obstacles and show them the bigger picture of the choices that they make.

            I am also a firm believer in providing reasons to children for the expectations that you have for them.  I find them to be more cooperative and show a greater understanding for the common good.  I am thankful that I have been called to educate urban youth and by doing so, I feel appreciated and loved by each and every one of my students.  My only hope is that they take with them the life lessons that I try to instill in them and practice them as often as they can.

1. Write your ideal job description. (250 words or less.) Forget about job titles like 'doctor' or 'artist' or 'lawyer.' If you could get paid just to live, how would you spend your time? What would you devote your life to? What would your days be like?

            From my very first days in the classroom, I have always said I know that I truly love my job because I would come to work even if I were not compensated for it.  I would change very little from what I do now because I know that I have an important role in the lives of children.  I come to work everyday knowing that I might be the only constant thing in the life and I take the role very seriously.

         I would continue to mentor and educate, perhaps not in the same “environment” but on the same levels and in the same fashion.  My days would still be spent helping children to focus on their day-to-day goals, as well as their lifelong ones.  I would continue to help them to find their way by helping them to learn more about themselves.