ALL ACCESS

THE NEXT CHAPTER

BY DR SHANELLE BENSON REID

THE CURRENT CHAPTER

It has been a great run ACCESS Readers! But it is time to say goodbye. I’ve enjoyed sharing my perspective, wisdom and at times foolishness with all of you. I’m beginning a new chapter in my life and closing the door on a few narratives of the past. For over 20 years, I’ve been a teacher. I love education and every aspect of the field. However, it is time for me to leave the teaching profession: PreK, K-12, Adult Ed, and Higher Ed, my work in the classroom is done. I thought the ending would be sad, but in truth, I am excited about the next phase of my life. Philosophically, I never believed in the structure of public education. Our entire system is inadequate and antiquated. As a student, I recall thinking to myself; nothing this teacher says is encouraging me to get excited about education. I’m not interested in math, I’m not interested in science, I’m not interested in social studies, and I’m not interested ELA, I guess, I wasn’t interested in school, but I trusted the process, so I pressed on.

As a practitioner, we like to believe that education has evolved. We’ve incorporated manipulative, charts, graphs, and visual representations. We allow movement, flexible seating, alternate assessments but the curriculum remains the same. Other aspects of society have improved, however the most important societal component has not; education has remained the same. How can we justify not revolutionizing our current educational system while our students have evolved, our society has advanced and other industries have adapted?

MY NEXT CHAPTER

By the time this article is available, I will have won an election or learned from being a candidate for elected office, either way, there are no losses. This has been an incredible journey. What I know for sure, the political process is frustrating, exhausting, exhilarating, and depressing. This process has been extremely difficult, but I would not change anything. I am certainly better for it. As I turn the page to this new chapter, I will be focusing on my businesses and my community. I’ve often divided my time, talents, and ability but those days are no longer. I am ready to prioritize the life I’ve prepared for in this season. My trajectory is Onward, Upward and Beyond.

ONWARD

Just when you think life could not get any better, boom, you are catapulted into the greatest stage of your life. You are finally free. Free to move forward, to grow, to develop into the woman you knew you would become. I stand erectly, boldly, confidently prepared to lead, to rule. I am Queen. I am Strength. I am Power. I am Woman!

UPWARD

Climb higher, I will get there. Reach, stretch, maintain momentum. Keep rising, I am nearing the top. I decided. This is my mission. My time is now. This is my moving forward process. Daunting, defeating and depressing at times, but I am destined. I am divinely designed for ascension.

BEYOND

My inability to see it does not discount its existence. Travel afar, surpass expectations, blaze the trail, and make my mark. I knew I was built for greatness. I have known my entire life. All of my work has steered me to this point. Now I take the next step, the rest of my life awaits.

“Cherish Each Moment — I choose to experience life moment by moment.”

All ACCESS

I deserve the best of me. I started small, but here I am. I am patient yet determined. It may be frightening, and I may be terrified but significance and success are on the other side of fear. This is my revolution, my transformation. My gift to me. I am the creator. My tomorrow will thank me for the things I do today. I am ready! This is my next chapter.

STEP 1: Take Responsibility — I acknowledge the problems and begin moving forwards no longer my worst critic

STEP 3: Acknowledge Feelings— I know what I am feeling and know why I am feeling

STEP 4: Be Patient — I trust the process

STEP 5: Gain Self-Awareness — I choose to know me better

STEP 6: Practice Gratitude — I am still standing, and I am grateful.

STEP 7: Serve Others — someone else needs what I have to offer. STEP 8: :Start Small — My choices and changes begin my revolution.

STEP 9: Trust Life — Only good will come to me. I am in awe.

STEP 10: Forgive Yourself — I know better and I do better.

STEP 11: Cherish Each Moment — I choose to experience life moment by moment.

STEP 12: Love — I love you and there is nothing you can do about it. I love me and there is nothing you can do about it.