The Black Man's Guide to Graduate School

As I devote more time to my blog, I want to branch out and discuss inspirational stories that I find and connect it back to my teaching career, if those connections can be made. As an Educator I believe in being a lifelong learner and being passionate about it. One of the major concerns that I have as a teacher is being able to connect with and teach all of my students. Classrooms today are very diverse; represent a variety of children,learning styles, abilities, talents, struggles,Etc. 

The recent verdict of the Trayvon Martin case has shed light for many on the struggles that face African American men in the US, on a daily basis. This burden may be a crutch for many but it is our duty to not let this be so. There are many ways that we can help,encourage and support minority men by taking steps to "whack" away at the "stigma" that has been placed upon them. Today, I present to you, The Black Man's Guide to Graduate School.

"Six Black men frustrated with the stereotypes associated with being a Black male and the perpetual "only" syndrome they experienced in their graduate programs have come together to provide a much needed voice to encourage more Black men to go to graduate school. In this effort, these men created "The Black Man's Guide to Graduate School." This text covers all the information that a Black male would need to successfully navigate the graduate school experience. From selecting and applying to a graduate program to dealing with stereotype threats and the importance of mentorship, this book provides a comprehensive guide to successfully entering and matriculating through a graduate program by Brothers who have completed the process from a wide range of programs (PhD, PsyD, PharmD, DPT, MBA, MHC)." Source: (http://www.amazon.com/Black-Mans-Guide-Graduate-School/dp/1490524304)

This is powerful beyond measure!!! Purchase this book; pass it on to your friends, family, colleagues. Etc. Show all young men that it can be done! "It" being anything that any young man dreams and wishes to accomplish in their life, let it be known, that nothing is impossible or unattainable! We have to step up to the plate and start encouraging our youth and showing them success stories because otherwise, many will see these accomplishments as unattainable.

I am a kindergarten teacher and I witness the innocence of my students yearly. They are bright, full of promise, and have a genuine love for school and learning. They truly believe in themselves and have the greatest amounts of self-esteem, self-love, and will. Somewhere in the hustle, as we become older, we slowly lose sight of this innocence. Things start happening, life starts happening and we get discouraged or fall victim to what this world says we can become or do. If we encourage our children to stay as eager and full of promise, just as they were as kindergartners, there is no telling how many “success stories” we would have. I challenge you today, to pass along your story, and to encourage someone else. Kudos to the authors of, The Black Man’s Guide to Graduate School.

Until the next time that life has checked me.

-Tia