Student Success Is School Success 

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     The truth is that I was taking the time to reflect upon my previous thoughts, especially when I was thinking about the idea of daring to dream, and that as educators it is our duty and obligation to guide students towards this direction, with directions, instructions and referrals. This will often mean that the educator himself / herself will become the coach. The role is really dependant upon the students that are served. There will be high needs students as well as students whose families are self - sufficient, organized and understand their path.

     This is the obligation and duty of students, but what happens when the issue is larger such as systemic, or there are socio-economic factors, tensions within the familial unit or family break down? These are the external challenges that also walk into the classroom, and of course the educator will be the first to bear the issues, and again point the students towards a particular direction and make the referrals.

     Every student is unique in this sense, they all have a desire, and a purpose. No one can sit alone in their home all their life without any human interaction. No one can, unless there are health factors. Actually even if there are health factors, the person in need will still have interactions with the carers. So in this sense every single human being will have an interaction or purpose, otherwise a person begins to rot. It is like sitting still, you are not moving forward in life, the circumstances are not changing. Therefore, it is important to take small steps each day towards a goal that contributes to a purpose or even your own well - being.
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     These thoughts can also be related to a school. In an actual sense a school is a community. Students work with many different teachers, educators and leaders, all whose goal should be to see the success of students. This is where the goal of student success is expanded to the leadership, and all players in the school community. Everyone has to be on board with the goal. 

     A school structure is that of a hierarchical nature, but there also must be a shift, a "flattening" of this structure so that there is common ground between all of the front - line teachers. The teacher has the duty and obligation to point the student towards the direction of the goal, but everyone else has to also be on board with this. This is why there must be emphasis placed on a student - centered structure, and giving back equal control to students and parents, involving all who have a stake in education. These thoughts are of high concern for those students who are arriving from poorer communities, and also who face language barriers. 

     The dynamics of the student population will vary from community to community. Teachers need to understand this, and if they are not willing to serve at - risk populations or adjust teaching methodologies then they must question, is this the right school fit for me? Whilst there are very good experienced teachers who are serving, we must always remember that student dynamics and populations are always changing. 

     Example:
If there are students who will benefit from sports teams such as basketball in the school, then the school should try to serve this need. Often there may not be teachers who are available to supervise these activities. This is where creativity is needed. We have to think and wonder if there are community members willing to serve this need. There maybe un - noticed talent that will be wasted simply because there is no formal setting / team for the students. Often it is these students who also don't have the means, or resources to seek the team sports themselves.

​Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to our students. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on April 30, 2017.
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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I was taking the time to think about the idea of having a dream. Specifically a dream of what one desires to become. To have a dream is actually quite simple, but to make this dream come true, this is where the work begins. A dream could be a potential career goal, such as becoming an athlete, or a pilot. What all goals have in common is the desire to be achieved.

If the desire is to become an athlete, you know that you are good at playing a sport such as: Hockey, basketball, football etc. You know that you can play really well yet, there is lack in other areas of your life. This lack could be the academics, where the grades are not sufficient to make the team sports. 

     This is where the discipline of achieving a goal is necessary. We have to be disciplined if we want to achieve a goal. This is where as educators we have to be innovative to guide students towards the direction of their goal. I would argue that it is actually the obligation of the educator to do so. Once a student has shared the desired dream, it is an absolute dis-service if we do not guide them towards the goal. It is our obligation to do so. However, it is also the students duty to act, to be responsive, appreciative and thankful for the directions and information that is presented. This is part of self - discipline.  

The act of making a goal or a dream come true is all about taking the small steps. The small short - term steps to achieve these to work towards the larger goals. 

     Example of teaching methodology:
If the desire is to become an athlete we can think of innovative methods so that students complete their work, to pass the courses. We could use analogies as the final mark allocated to the assignment as the net. The question could be the shots of the strikes. The student must complete all the shots or the strikes, these are the questions to get the ball into the net. Meaning that if all the questions are attempted, the pass will be given. 

We can never force a student, but we can turn their gaze towards the direction of their goals. It will simply mean finding what the students are interested in, or even becoming the academic coach yourself. 
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​Dedication: Whilst my allegiance will always be with the United States of America, it is important to note that we are people of heart. We serve with heart and soul to  those that we encounter. Dedicated to the students, who shared their dreams, I care. Our  thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on 28th April 2017.
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Where There Is Passion,
There Is Purpose.
~ MsSsHussain

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take a moment to think and reflect. 

The truth is that I was taking the time to reflect on the time that I went to watch: The Fast and The Furious with daughter, on this previous weekend. It is not really the type of movie that I would normally go to watch, but our daughter really wanted me to go with her, so I did. It was an interesting film, which depicted two very different sides of human nature. One being the desire of family, and to keep family together, and the other was to destroy family, to destruct family for the sake of selfish needs, desires, power, and greed. It reminded me much of real life scenarios. 

What I truly found the best about this film was the moral at the end. The moral was to never turn your back on family. Families should never turn their back on each other. However, as with any relationship, they are nurtured through exchanges. In times of happiness or sadness, family tries to be there for one another. But what happens when there is no repair when breakdowns happen? The familial relationship ceases to exist in the outward form. But human memory, bonds of blood cannot be detached. These will always remain. Bonds can never be broken, even if they are not seen in the external form. Think of the baby, or even yourself. Look at the belly button, the sign of a divine connection between a mother and a child, can this ever be taken away? Or the heart - The bond of the heart can never be broken. Love Is Pure. 


We cannot force love from anyone, even if it is the closest of family, but bonds can never be broken.

Shazi Courage - Image Taken 24th April, 2017

To gain something in life there will always be a sacrifice. This thought reminded me of the film Jackie Robinson 42, which I also watched. This film was emotionally challenging, yet it was revealing the harsh histories faced by black people in the United States of America. This film also inspired me because it also showed one mans desire to have a (person of colour) black man on a baseball team, this desire led to a revolutionary gaze. It shows an intermingling of the races. This at the time was very powerful, to have a person of colour on the team.

This act was more than having a racialized person on a team. It was a value that was being embodied in the outward form. A value of seeking and striving  for the principle of equality. Jackie Robinson faced the deep wounds of inequality, biases, prejudices, stereotypes. Imagine playing for a team where most of the fans in the stadium are making fun of you. Can you imagine this? Can you imagine the chants of hate? Can you? 

However, with progressions we see how Robinsons' team members begin to respect him and take a stand for him. This shows that when there is team work, when team members seek to work together anything is possible. It also shows the lasting effects of the words of a coach. Sometimes harsh words that are out poured, shine through with talent and resilience. 
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Classroom Brainstorm - Jackie Robinson

Baseball or any game is actually more than a game. It is a chance to represent your state, it is a chance to represent your country, and further a chance to represent. and stand for the values that are cherished by a nation. 

Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to all athletes, especially the younger ones who are dedicating their life to the dream of becoming an athlete. Service is with truth and with honor, always remember this. My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand written on 23rd of April and completed on the 25th of April.
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     A moment of silence, and deep reflection as we notice the remembrance of the Holocaust and the Shab -  e - Miraj, the night of the Holy Ascension.  Once again a divine sign of how the religions, faith and remembrance days coincide with one another. This is the beauty of divinity it is pure. It does not preach hate or terror, it is pure and true to the essence. Human beings were not born with hate inside them, hate is a social construction. Human beings were made to love one another. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

    I share these images of a mosque and a synagogue that I visited when I visited Washington. 

Magnolia Flower - Image Taken on Earth Day 2017, April 22nd.

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that the other day my daughter was working on a school project that involved using modelling clay. The texture of the clay was tough. To mold and mix the clay with another color required effort. She said to me, mama this is taking too long. I replied, yes I know. This scenario made me think about the idea of slowness, and how as a society we have forgotten what it feels like to slow down. so this activity with the modelling clay is a nice example. We are getting so used to getting everything in an instant, to slow down and wait is a feeling of rarity. 

     These thoughts can also be related to those of being alone, in solitude when we would like to take the time to wonder. We need to have this time to wonder and to think, and truly this can happen in this period of slowness, weather we choose to go for nature walks away from the chaos, or a place that we simply enjoy. We need to take time out for this, be it a physical or spiritual activity. What I am finding is that the period of slowness is actually becoming a source of anxiety for individuals, because it means to arrive in a place of unknowingness, to be in the unknown. 

     This state of being can be equated to that of loneliness / solitude. The thought of being alone is also a source of anxiety. However, we must be able to learn to be in these spaces so that we are able to have a relationship with the self as well, and when we are in these phases or stages, we know how our body / emotions will be able to cope.

Duty of Care
 

     As educators we have to build in these reflective spaces, so that these traits could potentially be developed early. Just as we have a responsibility for the love and care of the World and Earth, we also have a duty to the torch bearers of tomorrow. Students must be given the opportunity to seek out the new. And as educators and leaders we have a duty and authority, to protect the new ideas that are being developed, to ensure a care for the Earth and World, for present and future generations.

     A duty of care for the new is the duty of authority. It is also a duty of the new to respect the work of those who have worked hard to protect and care for the very values that we cherish. So the work of the new actually involves an inter - generational relationship. These relationships and spaces for the purposes of developing social thought, are vital if we want to make progress.
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The Science March
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     A Note: The March for Science that took place in the USA on April the 22nd, I am actually quite proud of. It must be remembered that historically the scientists , social scientists, were always in a battle with political structures. Whilst introspecting the what ifs, science demands the new. Science demands progress, something that Governments, political regimes and structures may not always be inclined to welcome.

Dedication: These thoughts are dedicated to all those who seek out the new, let us do this with love and care, with the values that are cherished. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)  

​Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on April 22nd, 2017.
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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I find it interesting that much of what is taking place today, with regards to the pivotal societal shifts was something that I had forecasted about 3/4 years earlier. This is with regards to the idea that once again has cropped up, but this time I gave a name to to this, it is: Love Revolution.

     At every era a revolution is most likely to take place. We can think back historically, when we think of the Age of the Enlightenment, or the Industrial revolutions. The Age of Enlightenment was the growth period for thought, rational thought and reasoning. In the Industrial Age there was the growth of machinery, and industry. There was also the period of Romanticism, the artistic movements, where the private and public spheres began to merge, and human beings were also being recognized as social beings. Here there was the rise of the social, we also have to remember that all these events took place before the Principle of Equality was founded. 

     At this time we are in the Information Age. We can see for ourselves, because we have access to information right at our fingertips. Today we have to be more concerned with the quality of information that we find, rather than not being able to find information. And actually we are quite blessed with this ease. And as with all technologies that we are blessed with, they also arrive with a cost. We can ask what is being lost with these technologies? Well I would say that individuals take advantage, and try to cause harm. This should not be the case. ​We are bombarded with death, murder, hate, and terror sometimes, or even on a daily basis. We can even say that technology has made it easier for hate groups to communicate their hateful messages. 

     This is where the Love Revolution idea arrives. In other words: The revolution of creation / creativity. Creation in its truest, purest from is love. Love is the urge to act, it is what drives and propels us as human beings (Freud). This is due to our human sexual instincts. These are the drives and instincts that make human beings act. At our very core, our essence, it is the sexual desires (creativity) that make humans want to act. The cost of this drive is that it arrives with the desire to create or can be harmful, because creativity can also destroy, be destructive.

     To arrive as the place of the Love Revolution, this will not happen overnight, particularly because when we experience a shift, a shift in thought, this shift does and will get uncomfortable, because as human beings we have learned particular ways of thinking. This could be because we belong to certain groups, or our human experiences. We have learned that what one group favours another may not. Or certain groups will hold that only the beliefs of their group is valid, and others are not. 

     For the Love Revolution, or creativity to soar higher, it will mean to let go of previously held beliefs that may be damaging. It means that we have to take risks. This is what creating, and creation is all about. It is about finding the courage to be true to the heart, and revealing what is within the heart in the outward form. To be at a place of creation, or the love states, we have to affirm and re-affirm the existence of love; in the existence of creativity. Particularly because of the pivotal shifts that are taking place at this very time. 

     To learn this improvement, will mean that we have to step outside the comfort zone, because it is about cultivating the vision of creativity, the vision of creation. We have to be careful that the destructive drives, and energies are not used for the purposes of destruction, but instead use these energies as well, to create. The creations could simply be the innovations that human beings seek to create, this can also be innovations in social though, which is what I strive for in particular. We should strive for a more equal society. I would actually argue, that it is our duty to do so, and I believe in the possibility. ​

     When a baby is born, the baby will of course gravitate to the immediate carers. But this baby will have no sense of religion, race, sexuality, ethnicity, age, ability. The baby will only possess the primary function, and senses that he / she is born with, everything else is learned. So if we can learn things, we can also unlearn things, and we can also re-learn things. Learning is continuous, we can all learn something from anyone. If we can hate, hurt and harm in an instance, we can also exert love, and passion to drive for the purposes of creation, the love revolution. 

​Dedication: These thoughts are dedicated to human creativity. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on April 19th, 2017. 
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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I was taking the time to think about some of the "latest" events that have occurred. One of these in particular was that of the incident that took place on Facebook. Where the circulating news was that of a live murder video, that was posted to this social media platform. Whilst this event was very disturbing, we have to be mindful and remember: just as there are gangs, and individuals who  shoot each other each day for no apparent reason, there are also those who will do the same things that can happen at any time and any place. And the drama that was displayed on Facebook was not a random act. Let me tell you it was not.

     It was simply staged just as we hear of the non - sensical shootings that take place each day. This murder was staged to deligitmize this particular social media platform. The parties that took part, were brought and paid for, just as the "Social Media Trolls" who seek to shoot and kill on the streets. This act was purposely done. The social alarm was the by - product that was caused because of secondary emotions. This was an intentional act to harm the Facebook developers.

     You see, this is what happens when emotions such as: Jealousy, envy, greed, and hate arise. Especially if you  are successful. So true to the tweet I sent out pertaining to this incident, I will say that it was a scam. Also the individuals who were used to stage this controversy, were not randomly chosen. Once again we can see how the person of color (black) stereotype is being perpetuated here. And once again I remain true to my word, this was a scam.

     We can also say the same thing when it comes to the large protests that take place in the United States. These protests are also staged, and paid for by opposing party members. I find it odd that there would be a protest aimed at President Trump for not releasing his taxes, and then there are issues such as: gangs, rapes, murders, shootings, deceit and betrayal. These are happening everyday. Why isn't anyone protesting about the violent murders? It is simple. Draw the connections. Because the very protests that are staged, brought and paid for by groups, also carry out the non - sensical murders. The latest heartbreak was that of Isaiah Thomas's sister, who was only 22 years old. 

This grief is not only disturbing communities, but a nation at large. We have to think for a moment. Is not the election over? The election is over, we have a new President. It is time to accept this and work towards unity and building a common vision to heal our nation. America First :)

     Countries who are networked and linked to random shootings or the "staged plays" in our country, need to focus on their own country. It is like having a nosey neighbour. You see, everything arrives with a limit. Whilst there must be love for our neighbour. There must also be respect for our neighbour, and when violating or crossing boundaries, this will be perceived as unwelcome. 

     We see leaders who are striving to create unity, we also see those who have occupied an office space to use as an abuse of power, forgetting about their own country. Greed and envy strike in, because one nation, does not want to see another nation succeed. When really all nations should be striving to build a harmonious collective. Murder and plots that are staged have no place as we move forward. 

Facebooks' like button in Italian! :)

Goddess Of Love 
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     The truth is that once I have tasted love, and what love and life feel like, there is no turning towards death. Once you have a taste of the life giving force, there is no other path but life and love. Love is what we should strive for. Love is the life giving force. This may sound simplistic, but in it's complexity, it is simple. Love is what we are. It is our natural state of being.
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​    Anything else that arrives is through our conditioning and our experiences. To return to the place of love is simplistic. It is simply about using creativity for the purposes of creation, not destruction. Creativity is a natural  flow, it requires honor, it is divine. Any mistreatment of creativity, may seem like a harm to others, but really it is a harm to the self. 

     
     To the opposing parties - you must think about how you are using your power, how you are using your resources as an abuse of power. And to the Facebook developers, I would say that whilst this was a very unfortunate incident, it is also an alert to the "trolls" out there, who are using this platform to purposely sabotage, and stage their murderous plots. There is a blessing is the alert.

Dedication: Whilst there have been some unfortunate truths that I have spoken. I also wanted to acknowledge Robert Godwin Sr. who was the victim. My sincere thoughts of love, prayer, and condolences to family, friends and loved ones. I pray for healing. My thoughts to share with love & kindness. 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on April 18th, 2017
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​As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take a moment to think and reflect.

     The truth is that over the Easter weekend, I wanted this time to be a period of reflection, to remain at peace and to think. Well, the first few days went well, but I found myself stuck, and finally realizing everything that I will now face, to a blurred heap of tears and grief. This is what being human is all about. It is about being imperfect, and finding the things that work for the self - development. 

     It is better to know the reality that you face. Yes, grief will happen, and it is best to let grief happen and take its course. Emotions that are not released will eventually release. It is better for them to release in a way that is not destructive to the self. Sometimes this will mean that you need the support of others. There is no better support that a person who is willing to listen to you, embrace all that you are, without judgement. 
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​Love Revolution

​     My thoughts remind me of the idea that I had of the Love Revolution. What does the love revolution mean? It could mean different things to different people. To me, Love Revolution means to embrace individuals of difference. Embracing difference, yet recognizing each other as equals. For the Love Revolution we are to embrace difference, and equality simultaneously. For this to happen, it also means that we are to embrace, and care for the self. Love our self.

     Negative energies are like a bad diet - Toxic. What we allow into the mind / brain and body will ultimately affect what comes out of the individual, in other words how we react, interact with others. Now I am not saying to stay away, or shut people out. I am saying if there are certain triggers, that you keep a healthy distance. Time heals. With time wounds heal, however this does not mean to say it will not leave a mark upon the soul. For relationships to truly flourish they require effort from all parties. A willingness to return to the point of love once more.
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"Reciprocity is a deep instinct; it is the currency of social life." - Jonathan Haidt.

     For the love revolution, inner peace is vital and a necessity. Being educated, or having a certain amount of wealth does not mean anything, if you don't know how to treat your fellow human being. As I mentioned many times - What we are blessed with in life is a trust. A trust to see how we will be with what we are given. Ultimately education has failed if it has not taught you, how to love and be tolerant of one another. 

​Character Development 

​     What education must also call for is character development. How will we build compassion, sympathy and empathy within individuals? The truth is that we are actually born with these qualities, they are innate. However, as we are conditioned through our nurture and environment, we can loose, or diminish these qualities. We let pride, ego, jealousy, selfishness and all of the secondary emotions get in the way. The heart becomes hard. We must soften our hearts.

     I see an opportunity here. The character traits can be developed, and also re-learned, and continuously emphasized with the use of storytelling, literature, the arts, any form of visual or written words that are a type of story. We can think about this historically when there was the oral story telling was popular, to the times of Shakespeare and Dante Alighieri, when there were stage plays. We also see these prevalent in our current times. We must use these media to allow the invisible topics of societal oppressions to be made visible. 

     When we hear / see stories of others, of people of difference, these have the potential to build character and even moral development. The consciousness of a society must be raised if one brother or sister sit at an empty table, and the other brother or sister feeds lavishly. The media forms have the potential to increase our levels of awareness, but more importantly will create an inner desire to act, for the purposes of growth and social healing. 

​Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to the ones who need a touch of love! :) My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on April 18th, 2017.
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For Every Child

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     The truth is that there are many mixed emotions that are circulating within, my family, my children, my everything, me. Everything is about trust. When we give a trust, we are not only sacrificing the self, but we are giving ourself, in the hope that a heart will not be broken. This is what trust is about, it works for every single relationship, personal and professional.

     I have discussed trust before, and I will say it again. Trust is essential for the flourishing and nourishing of relationships. These could be relationships that have taken years to build. It does not matter how long the relationship has lasted, for it should never be taken for granted. Nothing should be taken for granted. Even as parents, we have to know that one day our children will also decide upon their future, even children cannot and should not be taken for granted. Children are blessings, parents who have children, or any beings who care for life, know that these blessings are priceless. Children also are deserving of trust, they too are deserving of purity and honesty. Just as any monetary, material goods that we are entrusted with, so too are children.

Everything we are given is a trust, from the Million dollar homes, to the bread on the table that feeds us, everything is a trust. 

Dedication: To all that have shown me love as I walk along this path of life, thank you. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)
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Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on April 12th, 2017 
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