mon·o·logue

ˈmänəlˌôɡ,ˈmänəlˌäɡ/

A monologue is described as: a long speech by one actor in a play or movie, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program.

On May 15, 2016, I graduated from Syracuse University's Graduate School of Education with a Masters of Education in Social Studies Education (7-12), with a focus in black male development. Since that moment; I have asked my self the question "why teach?" every day. It literally makes no sense. One suspends their life, their sense of self focus, and even time to spend hours upon hours sowing into other people's children. The profession is not rewarding, instantaneously, and the work that we do is often times seen in small and unassuming lights. The glory that friends receive for the work in other fields such as high pay, constant praise, and gratification is not the norm of the field in which I have committed myself. However, what I know for sure is that teaching has unleashed an inner monologue, that allows me to think...see...and even breathe the work I do in new lights.

The sensations and thoughts that I have had since graduation about teaching, constantly float into my mind when I reflect on lessons and think about the work that I have decided to do by teaching as a black male in the space of urban classrooms within New York City. But what I have learned is that the truest experience I can do is provide and persist through the monologue that is teaching other people's children.

I am but one person, I am but one voice; however, the actions I take have the capacity to perpetuate the stronger and truer voices. This is why I teach. To teach others to speak to monologues, no matter how confusing they might be.