Changing Your Future
The Personal Website of Cara L. Morris
about me
I come from a very long line of elementary school teachers—my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, aunt, sister, cousin, ... I have always had a desire to help children discover, learn, and grow.When I was 5, I made an "All About Me" book and wrote that I was going to be a teacher when I grew up. I still have that book as a reminder of my early dream.
Today, I am a 1st grade teacher in the California public school system. My school, at which I have taught for 11 years, has a large percentage of minority and low-income families. This presents challenges; however, I love these kids and I wouldn't trade this school for any other "better" location.
I have 20 students in my class. 75% of my students have attended kindergarten and pre-school at the same school and 75% of those students have siblings who have attended the school for three years or more. These numbers are higher than they have been in the past and that is a great testament to the impact of our school on the community. Many people would look at our kids and see "lost causes." I only see children, children who, despite the challenges in their lives, come to school excited about learning and excited about their future.
Someday in the future, I would like to open my own learning center where I can ensure that all children in my care are learning in the best way possible for them. This is what I work towards. This is my "Why."
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Wednesday, March 09, 2005
It's been a while since my last update and I wish I didn't have to start off this way but this is what is on my heart and my mind. I found out today that a friend of mine, Kevin Tompkins (aka Bullwinkle), passed away this morning. He died unexpectedly of complications from diabetes and he didn't even know he had diabetes. I met Bullwinkle many years ago when I was in high school and he was a leader in our youth group at IBC and in the orchestra. Bullwinkle was one of our favorites. He was a blast to hang out with and he always showed up with a smile on his face.We lost track of each other through the years and a little over a year ago we were reconnected by "coincidence", actually I believe God planned it but I'll get back to that later. Kevin was working at the Millie's across from Kaiser Permanente in Fontana and I just happened to have a nephew, Timothy, in NICU. After one of Timothy's many surgeries, my family and I headed to Millie's for a bite to eat. Kevin just happened to be working that day and seated us. We recognized each other immediately and spent a few minutes catching up. I told him I was still at IBC and he mentioned that he and his wife were looking for a new church. I invited him back and a few months later he showed up at one of our orchestra rehearsals! Since that day has been a bright spot in our percussion section. Boy, could he wail on the congas!!
Kevin had a huge heart and always had a smile on his face. You could hear his laugh from any room in the building! I will miss you, Bullwinkle, but I am looking forward to our 2nd (and final) reunion!!
posted by Cara at 12:33 PM |
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