We are all free to fly. Education gives us wings. We each have the power, the ability, and the freedom to fly. What we need is the belief.

This is why I write so much about the power of our beliefs. As educators, we need to closely examine our own beliefs. We need to know that we are showing up each day to do our best for all of our students.

For our students, sometimes, we need to get them to understand that we (teachers) will believe in them, until they believe in themselves. Until they believe that they are free to fly.

A child is not the place he or she was born, the amount of money they have, or the books they have read. The opportunity gap leads to a self-esteem and a belief gap. Often, the biggest obstacle first-generation students face when it comes to college success is not passing a class, or acing a test, but actually believing that they belong. Right here and now. In college.

Mentor a student. Help them believe. Change a life.

Thanks for reading.

xo~Lisa

aka, The Happy Teacher