Michelle T. Washington

The decision to become an educator was one that I had as a young child growing up on Coosaw, Island. Living on a barrier island and listening to stories of how the elders attended the only one room school house was a major factor on why I chose to become a teacher. Their stories gave me motivation and rejuvenated hope that it doesn’t matter where you come from you have the power and influence to be great. The families on the island instilled in me the simple task of giving, nurturing, and empowering.

As an educator, I found that the act of giving is essential and necessary for students to achieve. Often times I find myself advising my students’ families on ways they can make learning more rewarding at home, how to improve upon their parenting skills, and just being an advisor. The role as an advisor is where I’ve seen some of my greatest accomplishments and rewards in the education field. One of my former students felt compelled to seek my advice upon her graduating high school. She remembered the many conversations we had as I advised her throughout her school years. I am proud to say that, as of today, she became an educator. She said, “I remember how you took the time and gave me advice and cared enough to see me make it to the finish line." Her words will forever remind me of an old saying that I would hear the elders of Coosaw say, “You can’t beat giving.”

The role of nurturing is one that I take with pride. I encourage my students to always be the best. I worked with a student who was shy, but a gifted writer. I instilled in him that the words you write will allow others to see the beauty of words through your lens. This role as a nurturer is another great accomplishment because I supported and helped a student develop a talent that might have gone unrecognized. Once again I can hear he elders from Coosaw say, “Whatever you do, do your best.”

The lasting legacy of empowerment is my greatest contribution as an educator. I used my talents to help create a scholarship for the children of Coosaw Island. The scholarship has allowed many families to see their children’s dream of becoming a college graduate become a reality. I am proud of being a part of bringing a community together for such a worthy cause. Just as in the classroom, empowering students to dig deep and always begin with the end in mind, I choose to make my teaching journey a lasting positive impact on the lives I touch.