Dignity Freedom Fighter

Dignity: Part 7: Scituate, My Senior Year

My senior year at Scituate High School was a great year for me. I was the assistant drum major for our marching band and after 3 years we finally placed in the top 3 in our last marching band competition. We came in second and Jeanie and I placed 2 among the drum majors. I made District in chorus and just missed All-StatesContinue reading “Dignity: Part 7: Scituate, My Senior Year “

Dignity: I found My voice Through Music: Scituate Part 6

I struggled most of my time in school. Read and writing were a challenge for me. Even more challenging for me was public speaking. Getting in front of my classmates and reading a Shakespeare poem or reading an essay I wrote brought out this fear in me that is hard to discribe. As I stood in front of the class andContinue reading “Dignity: I found My voice Through Music: Scituate Part 6 “

Dignity: Mrs. Howes Dignity Leader. Part 5

As part of the METCO Program, we had a METCO Coordinator. During my time at Scituate High School, we had Florence Howes or Mrs. Howes as she was known to us. The role of the METCO Coordinator was a combination of guidance counselor and adjustment counselor. Their role was to support METCO students as it was an adjustment for all ofContinue reading “Dignity: Mrs. Howes Dignity Leader. Part 5”

Dignity: Scituate Part Four: My Second Family

As part of our Scituate experience, we had a host family. These families would open their homes to us students from Boston in case we get stranded because of weather or if we have events and we needed to stay overnight. I was in chorus for four years and in marching band for three years, so I had eventsContinue reading “Dignity: Scituate Part Four: My Second Family “

Dignity: Scituate, The Early Years: Culture Shock Part Three Chapter 2

Dear younger meWhere do I startIf I could tell you everything that I have learned so farThen you could beOne step aheadOf all the painful memories still running through my headI wonder how much different things would beDear younger me – MercyMe I have thought about wanting to go back in time and talking toContinue reading “Dignity: Scituate, The Early Years: Culture Shock Part Three Chapter 2 “

Dignity: Breaking for Cancer

I will be continuing my series next week, but I wanted to take today to share with you what happens when you are on the path of becoming a dignity warrior. Dr. Donna Hicks, PhD in her book “Leading with Dignity” writes about the three connections of dignity. When you are on this lifelong journey, something begins to happen. How you think changes, how you approachContinue reading “Dignity: Breaking for Cancer “

Dignity: Scituate, The Early Years Part Three, Chapter One

My journey from grades six to eight in Scituate, Massachusetts was both eye-opening and challenging. I was only twelve years old, so I didn’t understand the culture change I was going to experience in those first three years. As I look back, I now know how those years shaped my life not just in myContinue reading “Dignity: Scituate, The Early Years Part Three, Chapter One”

Dignity: All Hail the Queen: Part 2

“Most mothers are instinctive philosophers.” Harriet Beecher Stowe I love this quote because it defines mothers as more than just care providers. They are the very first leaders, teachers, coaches, and strategists their children will meet. At least that’s how I saw my mother, Phyllis Redd King. I tell everyone that she is the smartest person I know. She was able to guide and navigate herContinue reading “Dignity: All Hail the Queen: Part 2”

Dignity: Our Thought Leader Our Queen

I was asked recently about my favorite thought leader. First, I needed to understand what a thought leader is. Forbes defines a thought leader as, “An individual or organization recognized as an authority in a specific field known for generating innovative ideas and influencing others.” As I read that definition, it was easy for me to put at the top of my list my mother Phyllis ReddContinue reading “Dignity: Our Thought Leader Our Queen “

Dignity: There is Hope in the Eye of the Storm

“When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.” Maya Angelou Life can sometimes bring hardships and challenges. In those moments when you feel that you are losing hope, how do you stopContinue reading “Dignity: There is Hope in the Eye of the Storm “