The Future is Hers!

Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore. We have seen the future, and the future is ours. ~ Cesar Chavez

Another busy day in my life! A highlight though was meeting a student who was formerly on my caseload for lunch. I had been with her through early and middle years, and then was no longer open to her in high school. I had heard she was graduating in a few weeks and so sent a message via Facebook (thank goodness for such social networking sites that allow you to track people), inviting her to lunch.

What a delight to catch up on her life! She has been transformed. She struggled to stay in school and I remember telling her she was smart and she should stay. I must have told her 10 times today how very proud I was. She is working, has had a few boyfriends, bought a car, an I-Pod and a laptop out of her own money, and has a life plan. She is pleasant, assertive, and lovely all around.

I think what amazed me was her inner strength. She has such amazing inner convictions. I think, in some ways, that she always has. One time, I showed up at the school for the first time in the school year without letting her know I was coming. I thought she was going to fly right through her desk. She knew I was going to listen to her and change what had been bugging her. She was always a student who knew what she wanted.

I cannot wait to see where she goes from here. You cannot uneducate someone. She has learned so much and will be a fabulous addition to her community. What a joy!

Peace,

Suzanne