It Takes A Village

9.05.11 By Alexis Harewood

I’ve often heard people say, “It takes a village to raise a child”—but I’d never realized the depth of this proverb even throughout my own childhood. Within my first few weeks as a BTR resident, I’ve been able to develop an understanding of the ways that communities can greatly influence a child’s life and potential for success.  Furthermore, I’ve reflected upon my own privilege to have had amazingly supportive communities that extended much beyond my immediate family. Unfortunately, this is not a reality shared by all children in the United States. I, like many in the field of education, believe that supportive communities shouldn’t be a privilege or left to luck-of-the-draw, but a right for children everywhere.

Growing up in Brooklyn, I belonged to several communities aside from my respective home and school communities. The communities themselves weren’t spectacular but rather the people I met within them. If my parents were ever unable to pick me up from school (which actually happened on many occasions) or aid me with my homework, they never had to worry about asking for help—instead, help (in the form of community members) offered itself to them.

My sister and I took the public bus when I was in the 4th grade. Since my parents couldn’t pick us up from school due to work schedules, my sister and I would gather with a few other students and take the bus home. The commute from school to home was roughly 40 minutes, but my bus driver made it very entertaining. Her name was Ms. Jackie and in short, she was fantastic. She always asked us about school or our interests (Pokémon at the time). I remember losing my Metrocard and worrying about getting to and from school but she allowed me to board the bus home with no questions asked. My grandma would meet us at our bus stop, and every now and then speak with Ms. Jackie about our behavior on the bus.

When thinking about these daily adventures from school, one day in particular outshines the rest. On this memorable day, Ms. Hong, my 4th grade math teacher, handed back our exams. I had done poorly. She wrote, “See me” on the top of my exam and I sheepishly went to the front of the classroom after dismissal. She asked me what I was doing after school and I replied, “Heading home on the bus.” Ms. Hong decided to take the bus with me so we could go over the exam. I was terrified—40 minutes on the bus with my teacher in front of my bus driver! Ms. Hong and I boarded the bus with my sister and a few other students. She sat me down behind Ms. Jackie and took out paper, two pencils, my exam, and a notebook that I could lean on to write. She went through all of the problems and gave me a bunch of new problems to try while we were on the bus. Within those 40 minutes, I had learned it! 

Soon after, the bus ride became homework time. This collaboration between two communities proved effective in my academic success. Although these two specific communities did not remain static throughout my growing years, they both contributed greatly to who I am today. I’m not sure if I’ve said this to Ms. Hong or Ms. Jackie before, but THANK YOU.

Reflecting upon these memories, I understand the importance of establishing supportive and caring communities for students while also becoming familiar with the communities in which my students participate. I want to give my students what Ms. Jackie, Ms. Hong and countless others gave me by bridging together resources to help my future students excel in and out of the classroom. After all, it does take a village.