Author Archives: kells1988

It’s day three of 180 and we’re huddled in the floor.  My students and I sit as close to my interior classroom wall as possible. Knees to our chins. Silent with 27 teenagers. You could hear a pin drop.  Minutes before this moment, I’m prepping them: “We’re having an intruder drill at the beginning ofContinue reading “All-American Nightmare”

We didn’t plan this. There was no “Teaching During a Pandemic 301” in college. Our lesson plans weren’t structured for hybrid learning. “Turn on your camera for attendance, please.” “No wait – turn them off” – we respect your right to privacy. “Here’s how to change your background on Zoom so that we can’t seeContinue reading “This Wasn’t Planned”

My alarm blared, startling me awake in the cold darkness of my bedroom. I drearily hit snooze and when I realized I couldn’t find my sleep again, grabbed my phone to scroll before my feet hit the floor. Through tired eyes I squinted at the illuminated screen and read the first headline on my feed:Continue reading “Nevertheless….”

I watched the halftime show last night with my seven year old daughter. Me. The “feminazi” on your timeline always championing for equal treatment and respect for women. I did not turn the channel when Shakira began her belly-dance. I did not turn the channel when Jennifer Lopez climbed the pole. My daughter’s only commentsContinue reading “Slut-Shaming & The Super Bowl”

I took a break from social media at the start of the new year. I deleted all apps from my phone and vowed to stay away at least until Landon’s birthday (y’all know I had to share that cute turkey on his birthday!). I needed to get away from the constant negativity, the “he said-sheContinue reading “What Kobe Taught Me”