A Parent's Perspective:

Dear Mrs. Stephens,

I have a personal philosophy for my (2) two kids, "...don't be like your father or me, be Better..." Growing up as a kid raised by my grandparents I saw the daily struggles of just trying to make trivial ends meet. Somehow my grandparents did provide a continual roof over our heads, clothes for our bodies, and food to eat. In fact the only time we ate out was during family reunions. My grandfather dropped out of school when he finished the 4th grade, and my grandmother made it to the 8th grade. I remember, as a young girl sitting with my grandmother helping her read her Sunday school lesson book. When my grandfather realized I could read and write, he would take me with him if ever there were some documents involved that he would have to sign. In fact, I still have that memory of him signing his driver's license one time with a big ole "X," because he didn't know how to write his whole name.

On November 15th, 2007, at the 7th grade house "Health Career Fair," I watched young men and ladies appear interested in their future. Some were wide-eyed and inquisitive about the exhibitors and their career occupations. Others were absolutely perplexed about the number of years it would take to be an EMS technician or a Neo-natal nurse. Of course there were the very few who looked as if they could care less.

Some scientists speculate that, if you teach a child (no matter what you're teaching them), they are more likely to adopt what is taught to them, versus what is simply shown. I have found that to be true in the case of my own kids. I was raised by two people who finished life with an elementary education, and didn't encourage me to get a good education. I spent my middle school and junior high years in remedial classes. Now, as a mom I push education and its importance. My children jump at opportunities to learn something new and different often.

My heart leaped with pride on Thursday as I volunteered at the "Health Career Fair" to see kids taking their education and their future seriously. I'm sure the papers each child carried were class work, but I overheard some of the best and frank questions that indicated absolute interest in the careers represented. I left Centennial Campus Middle School on November 15th with sore feet (standing for 2 hours in heels) and a heart full of pride. When I arrived at work I bragged to my co-workers how CCMS is taking a literal and active part in helping kids decide now WHO and WHAT they want to be when general study classes come to an end. CCMS is preparing my child and other children to be Pharmacists, Chiropractics, EMS Technicians, Clinical Psychologists, Neo-natal Nurses, or other positive influential persons with a career, not just a job. I can almost guarantee these types of events will help CCMS students encourage and be positive role models to the generation that follows them.

Proudly,
Marsha Harris-Parent