On July 4th, this nation celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776; this was the act which declared to Great Britain, that this country would be no longer be a colony of the British throne. It was an assertion that this country would oversee and be responsible for its own existence. The significant word in the title of the paper was and is INDEPENDENCE. Independence is a state or quality of freedom from the influence, control, or determination of another or others (Webster’s Dictionary).
Today, we, the citizens, find our population tormented by two extreme groups. Ultraconservatives strive to take away the rights of women and those who are different in any way from themselves. Super liberals reject boundaries and nurture dependence in needy people by feeding and sheltering them but not teaching them to fish. Both loud groups denounce any opposing views, often without examination. They demand that people act and think as they do or be rejected. Most of us stand between these two groups.
News media makes for trauma when reporting that certain rights of the 20th century are aborted or denied the people of the United States. The arguments of extremists are aired as though these are the only matters worthy of attention. There is a saying, “This is your world; shape it or someone else will do it for you.” We, the people of the United States, have become passive and expect that someone else will do things for us. We explode like fireworks in the dark sky and then become dormant to challenges that scorn the rights of selected groups. What is humane about challenging one gender but not the other? What is the justification in placing stumbling blocks in the paths of racially and culturally different people?
Alternatives may find us living in different places and responding by being passionate about our selections when we vote in ALL elections that come before us. There are no minor voting times! Community colleges have been an underestimated value for those who want to pursue higher education in professions and labor skills. Starting post high school education in these settings may significantly lessen the loan remittances after graduating with a four-year degree. Community Colleges give many the strong foundational skills needed to succeed in a college/university setting. Admission may be somewhat easy; graduating is work intensive.
Parents, if you want your child to succeed in school, you must learn what your school system offers to children. You need this information by first grade, because it may mean that your children could be enrolled in first-and second-year college courses during their high school years. Your child may be able to excel in math and science and in years to come make contributions to the betterment of the global population. When you discover the offerings throughout your school system, you just might be astounded because you never dreamed of the possibilities! Do not trust others to tell you the capabilities of your Black, Brown, immigrant, not-financially-rich child. Make a declaration of independence that your children will have every effort from you to succeed in whatever are their choices in life. From grades 1 to 12, parents need to do a Declaration of Independence in education for their children. Even, at the university/college level thoroughly explore and research each campus; does the setting and your child make a productive match? A detail like the college suicide rates is critical to investigate. Parents, grandparents, guardians, you may have to inform your children that they must work while attending college. They will learn not only financial responsibility but time management skills, also. Teach your children the wisdom of working to help pay for as much of the higher education remittances as possible to avoid massive debt encumbrances at the end of their academic studies.
Working with a group of parents with similar goals for their children will make this work easier than if you try to do it alone. It is vitally important to involve your children in dialogues and research. Whether you work solo or with a group, explore and seek all the offerings of your school system. Then work relentlessly to make these available to your children.
Let us be informed by the media but aware that the last word in the content of the news is ours. What is your declaration of independence about your individual lives and that of your children?
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful.
I know that full well. Psalm 139:14, NIV
Dorothy Watson Tatem, D.Min., ACC
Senior Associate
Next Step Associates, LLC
Cassandra W. Jones, Ed.D.
CEO & President
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