Personal Childhood Web by Elizabeth Turner

There are five people in my life that influence my childhood tremendously.  Below, you will find those five people and a description of what each one did and how their influences still impact my life.


"Mother"

My mother, although not perfect, was someone who showed me that being a woman was an honor and we should be treated as queens--not doormats or submissive human beings placed in a position of servittude.  She was the first true example that I had of what type of woman I wanted to become.  She continues to influence me today because she is still providing words of wisdom to me and my siblings.  I love her for that.

"Father"

My father was not and is not the type of man who wears his heart on his sleeve and I am not even sure if I have ever heard him say those three words that every child wants to hear which is I love you.  I can't recall hearing it but I knew that he did because he showed me everyday.  He influences me to be an expressive, creative, and outspoken person.  As a teacher and as an aunt (I have no children), I never miss a chance to say I love you and I never miss a moment to let my students know that I care.  I love him what he did for me and he is an inspiration and will continue to be an inspiration.

"Siblings"

I was fortunate to be one of those individuals to be brought up in a big family.  I have seven sisters and one brother. Each of my siblings have been instrumental in some type of way.  We have had our share of fights at some point but they have influenced me to be empathetic and sympathetic to the needs of all people.  They have taught me compassion and these are things that I carry with me throughout my day.  I am always thinking of other people feelings.  These are things that no textbook could ever teach and I try to incorporate these things in my teaching.

"Teachers"

I have met some very good teachers.  For the most part, my 6th grade English teacher inspired me to be an English teacher.  She and I spent a lot of time together and she was the first person aside from my parents to tell me that I can be anything and do anything I want to do in life.  Throughout college, I met some very good professors who continued to inspire me.  One in particular name was Dr. Susan Allen Ford.  This woman made it to work at 7:15 every morning for an 8:00 class.  I made it there at 7:00 just to be in her presence. While teaching, she would ask questions but she would never tell us that our answer was wrong; she just gave us a different perspective--a different way of looking at things.  I think of her often when I am in the classroom teaching and asking my own students critical thinking questions.

"Friends"

Over the years, I have made quite a few friends, but none of them were like Lakesha Jenkins.  She and I met when we were 9th grade and have managed to continue our friendship.  She is the one person that I know that I can call on for anything and she always have kind words for me.  She is a positive individual and will not allow anyone's negative energy to interfere with what she has going on.  Now, she and I are on our "spiritual trip," and if this journey is like the one that we have already been on, I am looking forward to the traveling experience.