YOU BELONG TO YOU, REMEMBER ME?

I spent the last five days at the Staten Island Mall trying to sell my new books and promote my writing and illustrating workshop to the parents and youth in our community. I cannot tell you how many people stopped and stared, asked questions they had no interest in me answering, and grabbed handfuls of candy as if lollipops and chocolate kisses are made of gold.

Discouraging as this may seem – and despite the fact that I was working 12 hours straight each day without pay – it afforded me the opportunity to realize who I really am and what I am about. Seeing new faces and reconnecting with old ones gave me this opportunity.

I taught for a span of 15 years on the high school and elementary levels. I cannot tell you how many students – now adults – shouted, “Ms. P!” I never forgot a face or a name – and one student even cried because I remembered her. The hugs were just as strong as they were back then and the smiles ever bright.

As a teacher, I was determined to be a positive role model, a mom, a protector, a counselor, and a friend. My lessons in English always included a comparison or analysis to life and made the classroom experience academic and personal. I tuned in to who my kids were on the inside. And all these years later, they remember me.

Life has changed so much and so have the responsibilities that tag along. I am not in the classroom today, but am still teaching on my own through my Child Empowerment Program. All these years later, my passion and drive are the same.

The old cliché holds true: “Little kids, little problems; Big kids, big problems” and my mission will always be to inspire all of you – big and small – to believe in yourselves so much so that you gain the personal strength to overcome whatever adversity you face.

In my first published book, “Tomey and the Caterpillar,” Tomey helps the lonely caterpillar grow wings by teaching him to have faith and believe in himself despite the hurtful actions and words of others. He says, “You belong to you, so wiggle your way out of those murky waters clouded by mush, of lousy, not-so-nice people who refuse to hush.”

As parents and educators, we often forget the things that matter most. Success has nothing to do with money. It has nothing to do with fame. It’s about knowing who you are. It’s about looking in the mirror with each new dawn and making a difference in the world just by being in it.

I learned that someone is always listening. I am living proof! And so, I leave you with another quote from Tomey: “Do not listen to the mocks and jeers, life will bring you many cheers, as long as you believe in who you are and love yourself from near and far.”

You belong to you, so wiggle yourself out of whatever is holding you back and keep moving. Life is too short to sit and wait for someone to validate your existence. You are here to do great things. Believe in YOU. I do.