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My mother is my biggest supporter. She is the person I can rely on to provide reassurance, motivation and offer honest feedback. My maternal family is always willing to share their input and make sure that I have assessed every situation from all sides. I have been blessed with great teachers who are constantly willing to offer time and resources. My friends offer advice, mental stimulation, and provide stress relief. My co-workers offer support and inspiration.
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I was born on the island of St. Croix at the Juan Luis Hospital at 10:55 p.m. I was 17 1/2 inches and weighed 6 pounds 9 ounces.
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In December, at 6 weeks old, I went to a babysitter, so my mom could return to work. I remained with that sitter until the age of 3. She was loving and kind.
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January 16- I turned over unassisted
January 20- Recognized mother's face
April 21- Began to crawl
May 24 - Sat up alone.
May 28- Got my first tooth
June 12 - Said my first word
August 30 - Walked unassisted for the first time
November - Took my first trip. -
Toilet trained. Received a doll from my father that I developed an emotional attachment to; I would take the doll everywhere I went. Could communicate in full sentences. Stopped going to the babysitter to start attending pre-school. I made friends easily and loved being outdoors.
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Kindergarten - Started to differentiate between friends and the types of activities I would play with each. 1st grade- First time I remember differentiating between right and wrong and testing my boundaries with consequences.
Had a deep sense of responsibility and very academically competitive with classmates. It was easier to make friends with my male classmates. Enrolled in Girl Scouts to increase social and emotional development. -
Experienced a life changing event.
Changed island dynamics and many everyday practices were altered.
Realized for the first time, that people handle events differently and that one event can have long-lasting effects.
Also realized the importance my Mom placed on family memorabilia and school. -
I moved into a new house, and got my own bedroom. New area did not have neighbors. Began to realize that I enjoy time by myself. I developed a love for reading. My best friend and classmate moved away. I received my first set of chores, which I protested.
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Brother graduates from high school, goes away to college. New level of independence and added responsibilities.
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Graduate from close-knit elementary school with highest honors.
New school for 7th grade. -
Experienced prejudice and discrimination for the first time. Realized that I have a cultural, racial and economic identity. Rebelled against classifications, that were not self-defined. I became highly self-conscious regarding how I wanted to be perceived and took calculated risk. Friendships became less compartmentalized; friends were chosen based on loyalty, trust and common interest. I joined many activities trying to find my niche; dance, choir, FBLA, student council and theater.
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Received my driver's license, against my will. With it came more independence and responsibility.
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My first paid job was as a summer counselor at my high school. I only received the job because a close friend was working in the office and called me up. It was the first time I experienced a preferential treatment based on who I knew.
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Attended Adelphi University in New York. Experienced culture shock and developed a deeper appreciation for my Caribbean identity. Predominantly associated with individuals who were raised on Caribbean islands.
Joined numerous clubs revolving around social identity. -
Made a conscious decision that social drinking was not an activity that I was going to participate in.
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Graduated with BA in Sociology from Adelphi University.
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Graduated with MA in Early Childhood Education from Adelphi University.
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Immediately after graduation, I returned to the Island of St. Croix. I did not feel comfortable with stateside life, and felt that returning home to be surrounded by family and familiarity was the best choice for me.
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I was hired by the Department of Education. The expectations were unrealistic- classrooms are ill-equipped to handle the educational needs the students have. I applied annually, for grant funding, to enhance the students education.I am very active in planning activities that engage the students socially and culturally. I am chairperson for many committees. I have a love/hate relationship with my job, but I'm determined to do my best for the students at my school.
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My paternal Grandmother was a force to be reckoned with. When I was growing up, she was over 6 feet tall and very stern. She battled Alzheimer's for a long time, and withered away, both physically and mentally. With her dying, I saw the devastation that can be inflicted on a family by greed.
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A good friend lost his life in a car accident. I had just recently spoken to him for his birthday and experienced a series of emotions regarding mortality. It is because of this accident that I started "adopting" children. The first of my children" was my late friend's brother. I took a special interest in helping these children, academically, socially and emotionally.
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One of my greatest accomplishments was being recognized by my co-workers.
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Started online M.A. in Counseling Degree at Wake Forest University.
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My father died of cancer. He shared his illness with me only at the end, and his final decline was very rapid. He had always been a part of my life even though my parents were not married. We had a very competitive relationship, and often expressed ourselves without concern. His death left me with conflicting emotions regarding life, death, and how to go about making life choices.
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This time it was bitter sweet. I appreciated the support of my co-workers, but knew it was coming at the end of my current teaching career.
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Quit teaching job to fulfill job practicum/internship requirements. Experienced a great deal of guilt over quitting job. Difficulty acclimating to working under direct supervision and conforming to others person style of counseling.
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Graduate with a Masters of Art in School Counseling from Wake Forest University
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After obtaining my degree, I am unable to find employment as a School Counselor. I returned to teaching, with the hope that I would be considered for a counseling position when a vacancy arose.
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After taking a year off to complete my practicum and internship requirements, I have reentered the educational workforce. My sights are aimed at helping students holistically, not just academically.
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Received a job counseling on the Junior High Level, although this was the level I had the least affinity to. I find that the challenge was good for me. I am excited about the programs that I was able to implement and all the contacts within the community that I now have at my disposal.
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I wrote a children's book on cultural folklore.
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Opened a school that focuses on the holistic development of students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade.
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School now caters to students from Kindergarten to 8th grade.
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School in now K-12 and has a 10 room housing facility on campus for behavioral male teens.