I have spent the last 34 years of my life as an educator. During those years I have served as a teacher, lead teacher, principal and now my vocation is that of a professor. While many changes and mandates have developed, my love and passion for the work has never faltered. For the work is a mission…a way of helping others see the infinite possibilities for their lives. Often I ask my students, “How will you let your light shine in the world?” Through my work, I believe my role is to unleash the potential of all that I meet… help them to embellish the world.

My work has taken me many places. Louisiana, Georgia, Alaska, Hawaii, Italy. My students have been Black, White, Alaska Native, Italian, and of Asian descent. There have been rich and poor students to grace my life.  I have seen the naughty and nice students. And of the course, the very bright and the challenged learners have come my way. Always, I have told them how wonderful they are. I remember once a principal asked how was my class. I said “It’s the best class I ever had”. The next year she asked again..how is your class? Yet again, I responded, “It’s the best class I ever had.” She quickly reminded me of my response from the previous year. I shared with her that every class brings a unique magic to my life..so every class was always the best class I ever had.

The magic continues even in Higher Education. Last week, three African American students completed their doctoral studies under my guidance. Each cried as we moved through the final stages of the long grueling dissertation process. Each was a first generation college graduate. During our meeting, the scholars expressed such joy and spoke of those who had passed on, but had paved a way for them to be at such a pinnacle of education. They spoke of the sacrifice made by families and long suffering of relationships. Each was relieved that the academic journey was over and took on a glow of fulfillment and gratitude. A personal and professional transformation had occurred.  The students and the professor were as one! Our work can be a reflection of our faith, if we choose! I always pray for the work I do that it will magnify the goodness of God’s Kingdom and I remind my students that they have to pass on the knowledge and help someone.

Lent is a season of suffering, transformation and joy. As we move through this season, let us embrace the suffering of our Lord and Christ as he prepared to leave this earthly life for the ultimate gift of life he gave us.