There are just a few people that have been an inspiration to me, but there is one that has not only inspired me, she has invested in me to achieve my goals. My grandmother, Emma Love Reed. My grandmother was a teacher, and she later became a principal. My mother and my uncle had the privilege to be taught by my grandmother. When I attended George Hall Elementary School, she was my principal.
Coming from humble beginnings, motivates you in a way to be greater to secure your future. My grandmother was valedictorian of Dunbar High School, working hard to make the grades to ensure she can be accepted to any school. Unfortunately, the University of Alabama did not see it the same way. She was not accepted because she was African American. My grandmother had to go with her second choice: Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University where she earned her BS degree in Education. As a young woman, it makes me proud to know that although there may be those that do not accept you, but it does not mean you should give up! I have faced adversity in my life too, but having her as an example made me face those adversities head on and to work hard to achieve my goals.
In 1978, my grandmother’s dream finally came true. She was accepted at the University of Alabama where she graduated with her Master’s degree in 1979, the year I was born. Although they did not accept her when she first applied, she got in and that is all that mattered to her. This has encouraged me in my educational endeavors now. She was fifty-three when she returned to school and I am forty-five now. It is never too late to pursue furthering your education and giving up is not an option.
What is a T.E.A.C.H.E.R?
Tenacious- someone who does what is required.
Efficient- achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort.
Amazing- impressive.
Charismatic- charm that inspires devotion.
Honest- trustworthy.
Extraordinary- having extremely good quality.
Resilient- a person able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
My grandmother was a teacher until the day she died, always correcting and critiquing. “Life is forever learning, no one knows everything,” she would say. I believe that wholeheartedly. I am a nurse and, in a way, I am a teacher too. I educate my patients on their medications, disease, procedures, etc. Teaching my patients gives me joy when I am able to connect the dots. Giving patients a better understanding of their disease, or how their medications work to improve their health is where I thrive.
She has inspired me to go back to college after eleven years. I am an LPN and it made her very proud, but she would say “Niambi, go back to school!” My ultimate goal is to be accepted into the LPN to BSN program. My grandmother is an inspiration to achieve my ultimate goal and on graduation day, I am dedicating my degree to her.