“You know I’m working on my self-care” “I took today off for a self-care day” “I haven’t had a self-care day in a minute” Self-care is the new trending buzzword and for once we have something that is actually beneficial. As with anything that becomes “popular” via social media, many folks are oblivious to what it entails or how to […]
It is approaching the end of the summer. For those of you that don’t know, I am a high school teacher. I too, was under the false impression that summers were reserved for trips around the country, binging on Netflix series and waking up at 5pm from hangovers. This summer has been the furthest thing from that. This week […]
This will likely be one of the most transparent pieces that I’ve ever written. Most of you all know that I typically don’t discuss my personal life online- especially my family. But last week there was a major shift with my family dynamics. Not many people knew that my dad had been incarcerated for the past 18 years of my […]
I became their teacher in November. No formal training, education, nada. Most would say that I was at a disadvantage being given seniors. This is the result of simply teaching with what’s in my head and in my heart for my kids. At the end of the semester, I created a written assignment for my students. A few students complained since it was a math course. A few were eager to write as it was worth a quiz grade replacement. Ms. Royster’s Final Self-Reflection Assignment As you all know, I am a writer at heart. I decided to share my love for writing with you all. Luckily for you I will be dropping your lowest quiz grade and replacing it with a completion grade. Below are the requirements for the assignment. Your Self-Reflection Needs to Be: Handwritten on college ruled notebook paper (I have plenty!) Turned in at any time but no later than the last day of class One page minimum (but you are more than welcome to write as much as you’d like beyond the one page) Transparent. Be honest. Please respond to all of the following: How has this course impacted me? This impact can be positive or negative depending on your experience. How will the skills that I have acquired in this course assist me with future success? What other skills may I need to adapt to give me the […]
We’ve finally reached the most controversial holiday season of the year. Tis the season of cheer, fellowship, joy, love and traditions. Tis also the season of ungratefulness, greed, loneliness and feelings of inadequacy. Now I’m not saying that it isn’t okay to be joyous. I’m simply asking you to be mindful. Here are a few reasons why. Working in retail […]
This blog has two parts. Part 1: Avoid looking stupid in front of family and friends Part 2: Avoid getting fired at the office potluck Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Everyone is eager to showcase their cooking talents right? So you’ve found your way to the sign up sheet for the work potluck. Or you’ve agreed to bring something […]
I remember being 13 and experiencing my first thoughts of suicide. I remember bouncing back and between thoughts of hanging myself or overdosing on prescription painkillers. It would be safe, clean and painless. Self-inflicted pain was never my “thing.” Museum of Thought: Poetic Perspectives in Adolescence is a poetic time capsule of my depression. My words sometimes served as […]
