Family matters. They come in all shapes and forms; no one form or shape is better than the next. Family has less to do with one’s DNA inheritance and more to do with one’s choice on who they rely on for support, love and purpose. I believe part of that purpose involves helping one find their gift; that part of them that makes them unique, special. I believe education, both formally, informally and vocationally, is the key to unlocking that door. Education is a journey, not a destination. I have friends in their 60s re-tooling themselves for new careers. As a policy leader, it is my responsibility to make sure Seattle continues to value family and education. Both have been at the core of my life.
During 2008 and 2009, I spent a lot of time getting to know our schools. As a public school graduate and parent of a public school student, my goal was to keep my fingers on the pulse of our educational system. I spoke at several commencements and met with several parents. Based on this passion for education, in 2010, I joined the Race and Social Justice Community Roundtable, comprised of community leaders from across the city, and we selected Education as the strategic choice to eliminate racial and social disparities.
In a different arena, this is also one of the reasons I got involved in an effort to support boosting high school math requirements. An issue was before the Washington State Board of Education after the Washington State Legislature passed a law, 2SHB 1906, directing the Board to increase math requirements for high school graduation from two to three credits. I asked all of my colleagues on the Council to sign a letter to the Board supporting the increase in math requirements.
As a Councilmember, I will continue to work hard at improving all levels of education of excellence; Pre-kindergarten, K-12, secondary and post-secondary education. Equally important, I will support those vocational, apprenticeships and internships designed to embrace the green economy. All of these educational vehicles are intended to help one reach their potential. At the end of the day, it is all about recognizing that family matters and that education unlocks the doors to one’s unique and special gifts. When these two things occur, there is no end to one’s potential.
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