Naomi came to college with the demands of home and family.  A young mother of 2 babies and a husband, sought a brighter future for herself and children she believed she could help.  She decided to go into teaching.  Previously she had been a math tutor and a ballet teacher, but felt she could contribute to the community.  It was important to show her daughters that anything is possible.

During her first semester in the College of Ed there were at least 9 shooting deaths in south St. Pete in a two month time span.  Naomi realized from her Diverse Pop course that her community lacked neighborhood teachers that understood the struggles of the students in the area.  She wanted to be part of the solution.

Her Struggles

Not only did Naomi have a full home life and go to school, but personally she lacked confidence.  She sat in the front of her classes, stressing on every detail of every assignment and determined to get all A’s.  She was so focused on getting A’s that she ended up in a car accident trying to study flash cards while driving (She did get an A however!).   Part of Naomi’s insecurity came from the fact that she is hearing impaired.

In her EDG 3620 class before she began her presentation, she apologized to the class for a speech impediment they might hear due to her being hearing impaired.  Naomi’s professor pulled her aside after and told her to “never” apologize for being hearing impaired.  People with disabilities should be seen as individuals who are equals, and who are entitled to common respect and dignity.  But often, we forget to accept ourselves and need to stop apologizing for things we cannot control.  During her EEX 3012 class she had a “light bulb” moment.  Everyone is a person first, not a disability.

At one point, Naomi was struggling with all the demands of home, family and school.  She did not fall through the cracks.  She went to see what she could do.  The caring College of Ed faculty and staff  listened and followed up with her to keep her on the track to success.

Her acceptance became her Success

She was such an inspiring student, AFC asked her to speak at their Spring 2017 conference about her experiences.  She is a very confident young woman that her daughters can be proud of.  Demands of home, family and now a full time job will not slow down her dream.

Naomi has graduated from SPC with a BS in Elementary Ed K-6  and will be a second grade teacher at Maximo Elementary this fall where she will meet new demands and continue to succeed.  Maximo, a Skyway Bridge neighborhood school needs teachers like Naomi to help other children reach their potential.  We wish you well and every success!