July 2008 Question(s) of the Month

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Permalink Reply by Pia Monique Murray on July 14, 2008 at 10:55pm

The first time I used my voice with intention was in high school as a member of the Diversity Resource Collaborative... through that organization and through the encouragement of other pivotal figures I realized that not only could I command people's attention, but that I actually had great ideas worth being shared. My first act was with another student to create a day-long, school-wide commitment to discussion and conversation. That event still takes place though I graduated 7 years ago.

I continue to exercise my First Amendment right through my choreography by engaging in social issues I feel are critical to human development. I dedicate my choreography to the principle that the arts will succeed where politics have failed.

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Permalink Reply by Kim Carter on July 21, 2008 at 9:58pm

Pia,
What a powerful testament to the impact of having one's voice be listened to and respected - I'm moved by the fact that you initiated an event that lives on, and can only speculate on how many others your voice has touched through the years as a result! Thank you for sharing your story!

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Permalink Reply by Marcela on August 6, 2008 at 12:05am

I embarrass easily. I turn bright red, my palms sweat and I litterally feel ill to my stomach at the thought of having to make presentations. I have many opinions and feelings but usually they remain hidden or are known only to a select few.

In regards to my proffesional career, I have Mr. Williams, my former principal, to thank for helping me find my voice. I found the courage to let my fellow teachers know that our students want us to hear them. I, along with two other teachers, expressed the importance of showing compassion to these little souls.

On the home front, with the support and encouragement of my husband I have been able to express myself to my very traditional Mexican mother. He has taught me that I am a valuable human being that deserves repect. Without getting into details I was finally able to be my own person who needs to let my feelings and thougths be known. "I am thunder hear my roar" has a new meaning. To me, it simply means that I am a powerful person despite my quiet and reserved nature.

In regards to the last question, "meaninful" is a very subjective word. I would like to think that I have taught my students, past and present, that their feelings, thoughts and worries are valuable and need to be heard. In closing, I hope that I have let the little ones know at this very early age, that they must speak up at any injustices they may face-no matter how minor it may seem to a grown up.

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Permalink Reply by Cheryl Lacaillade on August 6, 2008 at 9:01pm

I believe that being strong and heard can be many different things. When I was young, I was the mouse in the back of the room and even my youthful nickname suggested that I wasn't important, not having much to offer. It wasn't until my late twenties that I was able to break the shell, due to circumstances and situations, I began to speak out. Then, with the kindness of others, I was able to go to college where I began to feel as if I really had something to offer. I was my mother and friend who said "try it, you may like it." Bless her, because that is the path that I began, and I found, I did. I have exercised my First Amendment rights when I felt that I was the one who had to make a difference, standing up for special needs children (my own, and others). Everyone needs a voice, even if it is a soft whisper, or a smile that says I will try again tomorrow--it doesn't have to hoar! (I am not sure who this quote is from, but I like it.)

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