Inspired...

I continue to be amazed and inspired by the young families I work with.  So many of them face tremendous adversity, yet they persevere.  There are moments where I think to myself, “I would’ve given up.”  When food is sparse or simply just not there it seems the drive to continue to move forward, to continue to press in, to work toward the goal of completing one’s education gets even stronger.  This drive will not only take these young parents to another level of education, but they are setting an example to their children.  Examples of survival, overcoming.  Determination that takes a challenge full on and doesn’t give up.  These young families are creating a legacy of their own for their children.  When I ask them what keeps them going, what keeps them from giving up, the answer is always their children.  Some people say teenagers cannot see beyond today; they are self-absorbed, emotionally driven and living in the moment.  Maybe these young parents were THAT teenager at one point, but not now.  These parents see their future and they see the direct correlation between their future and the impact their choices will have on their children. 

I have a family who is living in challenging living conditions, conditions that most people would never be willing to endure.  Yet, they embrace this circumstance with an attitude of adventure and pride.  Adventure in living in a situation that is less than comfortable, but yet embracing the positive in a challenging situation.  Pride in knowing that they are self-sufficient, providing for their child , and happily living  together as a family.  Yet, in spite of this situation, dad continues to pursue securing alternative housing while embracing living life in a traditional “Native way.”  Who am I to question that?  I don’t.  Mom, continues to be committed to completing her high school education, a commitment and determination that gets her to school daily and her son to his childcare center each day.  She completes her work with excellence and doesn’t give up knowing that her education is the key to future success.

June 4, 2011, high school graduation.  The anticipation of seeing these committed parents shake their principal’s hand and receive their diplomas is exciting.  My heart swells with joy and admiration as I envision that day knowing the challenges some of these parents have been through.  Truly inspirational!