Editor Note: Commentary

Post date: Aug 10, 2013 12:46:03 AM

The world isnt the same place I knew as a young kid growing up in the early seventies. Throughout the years,I've learned that change is inevitable___,good or bad,it is a natural part of life's cycle in the same manner that the season changes,so does events,social conditions,and personal circumstances in life. At forty-something,I like to believe I know a few things about life style changes,life makeovers,and extreme life changes. For instance,within the past ten years,Ive changed my career and profession at least three time over the course of the years. In speaking of change,on a grande scale,the social issues facing America's youth has in recent years gone global. From threats to First Amendment rights to unprecedent threats to Vote Rights,the social issues facing America's youth is undaunting.The Civil Rights Movement,Apartheid,the Great Wall of China,and Voting Rights to name a few social issues I witnessed while attending school in a public school system. And in all honesty,Ive observed over the years that social change normally occurs when a group of people is not pleased with current conditions. Recently,this summer,the country has been watching the events in Syria and Egypt to see how both countries current social conditions will affect the United States and the global economy. Generally speaking such social disruptions and social change normally does have an effect on the global economy. Forthrightly,as these social conditions in both of these countries has caught the attention of Americans around the world,it is hard not to think about the future of American Democracy and the American way of life. ,2013 summer,news headlines swarmed with social issues and global news. One social issue in particular that caught my attention,this summer,the Travon Martin case,a young boy in Florida who was shot while walking out a convenience store in Florida. At the forefront of social activist and citizen outrage,the age of the young man and the fact that he was unarmed . Weeks after his death,the clothing that Travon Martin had been wearing when he was shot iniated a trend and movement among young teens. At the time of his death,it seems that Travon had been wearing a hoodie on the weekend he was shot. Reluctant to talk about the incite,this is my first post on the incident. A matter of fact,a product of a public school system,I strongly questioned his choice of clothing eventhough it was the weekend. At this point, I want to emphasis it doesnt matter what he was wearing he didnt deserve to be shot_I mention his clothing because nearly all public schools have dress codes and conduct codes. Furthermore,I stand by the point if implementing a dress code at home and at school keeps our kids save than that's the side Im siding with period. Sometimes its unavoidable ,kids having to make adjustments,and changes is a part life,moreover,making adjustments and changes doesnt only apply when a kids in school. As a adult and all throughtout my childhood,Ive had to accomodate changes as well as adapt to adjustments.Admittedly,the biggest adjustment Ive had to make within the past ten years is re-establishing my credit as well as my credentials in a new state. Of course,there's somethings that has throughout the years remained resilient to change such as American and family traditions. Unequivocally,traditional practices has been the glue that has kept America strong for several decades. During the years,I attended public school in the United States,I often looked forward to participating in certain American traditions at school ;for example, Valentine's Day,St Patrick's Day,Halloween and Thanksgiving Day. Included in public school curriculum as well as teacher's lesson plans activites to recognize American traditions. Today,I remain big on tradition,I have to admit I would be at a lost if certain traditions became defunct including the Back-to-School tradition.Ostensibly,no matter where I am or what Im doing I always like to stop whatever Im doing to recognize American Traditions that has been deeply rooted in the American way of life;for instance,each year,I like to observe Fourth of July(Independence Day) and Labor Day. Imperceptible at times,despite the numerous obstacles and hurdles that life sometimes puts in front of us,Celebrating American traditions seems to put things back into perspective. At the same time ,Ive also learned that many of life's obstacles has been placed in front of us to teach us valuable lessons and to help each of us to grow personally,professionally,and spiritually. Almost twenty years later ,after graduating from the public school system,Ive grown to understand the importance of knowing American History and observing American Tradition. And to be truthful,I would not have survived or graduated from a public school system,if I had chose not to follow the school rules,specifically,the dress code and conduct code. Not surprisingly,today __much of what Ive learned has stuck with me throughout my adult and every now and then I refer to some of the stuff I learned and observed as a public school student. On a final note, as the cliches state "you're never too old for a barbie" and "youre never too old to learn something new"__well that was exactly the case when I first relocated to Virigina. New to the area,one of the first things I thought I could fall back on was my resume . At the time,I thought I had a great resume. When in truth,after signing up for a resume seminar,I realized that my resume could use some adjustments,eventually,I ended up making several changes to both of my resumes. Adjustments and changes_that's what the Back-to School tradition is all about,I experienced that for the first eighteen years of my life. Sadly,this Back to School season will be one less student. To conclude this commentary,although it might not seem so, but school shopping and purchasing school supplies is a just a small part of the Back to School tradition. Above everything else,student safety should be number one. Most importantly,as Editor -in-Chief I want to ask each of you to help keep our kids safe,let's not lose another kid.---

Editor-in-Chief

Jamala M Johnson