I am very excited to announce that I will be teaching Biology and Spanish to High School students starting next month for the 2013/2014 school year! It's surreal to think that I will have a hand in molding the minds of these young men and young women. I know many of the students on my roll. They are very smart and will definitely keep me on my toes. The biggest question on my mind is this: what defines a good teacher, and can I live up to my own expectations?
To me, teaching is a passion. I have taught kids as young as preschool all the way up to adults. I have given workshops to large groups and have enjoyed seeing those lightbulbs go off as people understand different concepts. The biggest compliment for a teacher is seeing her students succeed. That is always the ultimate goal. That is the reason that I take this job very seriously.
So, what defines a good teacher? A good teacher will be patient, kind, knowledgable, flexible, and humble. A good teacher will create an environment where the students feel like they can ask any question without judgment. A good teacher will know that she doesn't always have all the answers, but will go out of her way to find them. A good teacher will be prepared. A good teacher will rejoice in the success of her students, and lift up those who may be struggling. A good teacher will try to be a good role model. A good teacher will admit when she is wrong. A good teacher will seek out new ways to teach and reach out to her students. A good teacher will do all of this and say to herself, "What more can I do?"
All I know is that I will be kneeling in prayer more often this upcoming school year. There will be fourteen more names on my mind each night that I will add to the four that I love very dearly. I know that with Heavenly Father's help I can be a good teacher.
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Have you hugged a teacher today?
She just might need it!
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Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
Mommy Tantrums
We've all seen them...the tantrums that kids have when they don't get their way. Perhaps you have seen a child who starts to cry at the sound of the word "NO" or "not now". We are all born with these tendancies and eventually outgrow them as we get older....Or do we?
As a mother, I can say that I've had my fair share of tantrums. I have lost my temper on numerous occasions and have said things I later regretted. However, I have learned to accept the fact that I am just human. I am allowed to make mistakes once in a while. I learn from those mistakes and hopefully grow from them.
Recently I have come to accept that some of the traits I strongly dislike in my children are traits that I personally need to work on myself! Traits such as stubborness, being unorganized, and procrastination are things I struggle with. It's not a surprise that I see these same traits in my children.
What is my first instinct when my kids don't do what I ask them to do? Well...it's usually to yell or sometimes pull them by their hair and force them to do it. (Just being honest.) However, I stop myself (usually) and think to myself, "Is this the best way to handle this situation? Or is this going to make things worse?" Just the other day I saw my oldest physically forcing his younger brother to do what he wanted. It was like a lightbulb went on inside my head. I realized that in order to teach my kids how to control those urges, I must first learn to control those myself. What a brilliant idea!!!
Next time I am about to lose it I am going to shut myself in my room and scream into my pillow. I will shed a few tears. I will basically give myself a mommy time-out. I will then compose myself and resume my motherly duties. Yep! That's what I'll do. (I'll let ya'll know how that works out for me.)
***********************
Need a little time-out?
***********************
As a mother, I can say that I've had my fair share of tantrums. I have lost my temper on numerous occasions and have said things I later regretted. However, I have learned to accept the fact that I am just human. I am allowed to make mistakes once in a while. I learn from those mistakes and hopefully grow from them.
Recently I have come to accept that some of the traits I strongly dislike in my children are traits that I personally need to work on myself! Traits such as stubborness, being unorganized, and procrastination are things I struggle with. It's not a surprise that I see these same traits in my children.
What is my first instinct when my kids don't do what I ask them to do? Well...it's usually to yell or sometimes pull them by their hair and force them to do it. (Just being honest.) However, I stop myself (usually) and think to myself, "Is this the best way to handle this situation? Or is this going to make things worse?" Just the other day I saw my oldest physically forcing his younger brother to do what he wanted. It was like a lightbulb went on inside my head. I realized that in order to teach my kids how to control those urges, I must first learn to control those myself. What a brilliant idea!!!
Next time I am about to lose it I am going to shut myself in my room and scream into my pillow. I will shed a few tears. I will basically give myself a mommy time-out. I will then compose myself and resume my motherly duties. Yep! That's what I'll do. (I'll let ya'll know how that works out for me.)
***********************
Need a little time-out?
***********************
Sunday, October 28, 2012
The "A" List Book Launch
This is an exciting time for me and all of my family. The official book launch of my first published book will take place on November 1st at the Lowder Branch Library here in Montgomery, Alabama! I am so humbled by the support from Julia-Ann Jenkins and all of my dear friends. They truly want to see me succeed.
I added the link to the book on Amazon in this blog. I plan to update you all on what is new and how things are going. In the meantime, feel free to spread the word and share my site with everyone you know.
There are many people I want to thank, but I want to take this opportunity to thank my dear friend Barb Garrison who took the time to help me with my author picture that I eventually used in my book. She was able to help me meet my personal deadline for the completion of my book. I can't thank her enough!
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Book Signing/Autism Discussion
Lowder Branch Library on Bell Road
November 1st
6:30pm - 8:30pm
*Books available for purchase at the event for $16.99
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Thursday, June 28, 2012
The Big "A"
Autism isn't a deadly disease. However, in some ways it is like a death sentence for many parents. It marks the end of certain dreams and expectations. It marks the end of life as you know it. For me, knowing that my child has autism just means that the days of trying to find answers for a diagnosis are over. It means that I no longer have to listen to teachers and others tell me that my child is just "strong-willed" or "spoiled". Knowing that my child has autism means the end to rationalizing why my child may behave differently than other kids. It also means that I need to be patient. Asperger's is not so bad, right? Doesn't Bill Gates have it? He turned out okay. Instead of focusing on what my child may not be able to do right now, I will focus on his strengths. I will help him develop those talents I know he has. It is up to me as his mother to push him whenever possible. There will be times when I'm sure we'll want to give up, but we must not. I'm so thankful for the strong support group I have. My mother, my husband, and friends are there for me. I can pick up the phone and I know they won't judge. They truly understand.
Autism doesn't define your child. It is an extension of who they are. Having autism is like having brown hair. Are all brown haired individuals smart? Are all brown haired individuals good at math? Of course not! Get to know your child. They are counting on you to be their advocate and voice. Many of these children cannot speak for themselves. That is the biggest role you have as their parent.
My wish for the future is that the stigma of diagnosis will go away! It doesn't matter anymore! I wish parents would just do what is best for their children. There are also many parents who suffer from mental illness that need help. You cannot help your child unless YOU get help. Going to a psychiatrist or therapist does not make you weak. It gives you the tools you desperately need to be the best parent you can be. Don't ever feel like you've given up.
Autism doesn't define your child. It is an extension of who they are. Having autism is like having brown hair. Are all brown haired individuals smart? Are all brown haired individuals good at math? Of course not! Get to know your child. They are counting on you to be their advocate and voice. Many of these children cannot speak for themselves. That is the biggest role you have as their parent.
My wish for the future is that the stigma of diagnosis will go away! It doesn't matter anymore! I wish parents would just do what is best for their children. There are also many parents who suffer from mental illness that need help. You cannot help your child unless YOU get help. Going to a psychiatrist or therapist does not make you weak. It gives you the tools you desperately need to be the best parent you can be. Don't ever feel like you've given up.
My Muse and Project
My life motto has always been: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. That is what I have been trying to do for the past fifteen years. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who supports me and loves me unconditionally. I have four beautiful children who I adore. Those are the things I hold on to during times of trials in my life.
..............
The following is the link to my latest project. It is the result of a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. I'm very proud of this book and I hope that it brings hope and encouragement to everyone who reads it. The book is finally listed on Amazon and you can copy and paste the following link to see it: http://www.amazon.com/The-A-List-Yahnira-Backus/dp/1460912071/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340587290&sr=1-8&keywords=The+%22A%22+List
Brief synopsis: The story takes place in the future where autism has reached epidemic proportions. Autism is renamed ASP to include the broad spectrum of disorders associated with the newly discovered gene mutation. The main character, Sarah, is a beautiful young lady who has graduated from a research facility, called the GRF, where young infants are raised and nurtured under a very controlled environment. Parents have to make the difficult choice of either raising these children on their own or giving them up to the GRF. The reader will experience Sarah's journey as she leaves her familiar home, meets her biological family, and begins a new life full of new experiences. She will ultimately discover that there is much more to the GRF than she realized. Finding love and working for the government on a secret mission will only be the beginning of her new life. This story will touch your heart and give you hope and encouragement as to the future of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
................
Writing this novel was very therapeutic for me. I was able to use my life experiences as well as the experiences of the many children and young adults I have met over the years. My goal was to capture the thinking process of these unique individuals. I wanted to give the reader a unique perspective into the mind, talents, and challenges they face. Often times I see the reactions and comments made by individuals who just don't understand. They think that autism means "Rainman"...an individual who is a genius at one thing and who otherwise cannot interact with the world around him. That is not always the case. The spectrum is so broad that they are currently changing the guidelines for diagnosis and the labels placed on these people. There is no "one-size fits all" approach when it comes to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. After reading my book, I hope people take the main message I want to convey. That is: although there is no cure for autism, that doesn't mean there is no hope.
..............
The following is the link to my latest project. It is the result of a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. I'm very proud of this book and I hope that it brings hope and encouragement to everyone who reads it. The book is finally listed on Amazon and you can copy and paste the following link to see it: http://www.amazon.com/The-A-List-Yahnira-Backus/dp/1460912071/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340587290&sr=1-8&keywords=The+%22A%22+List
Brief synopsis: The story takes place in the future where autism has reached epidemic proportions. Autism is renamed ASP to include the broad spectrum of disorders associated with the newly discovered gene mutation. The main character, Sarah, is a beautiful young lady who has graduated from a research facility, called the GRF, where young infants are raised and nurtured under a very controlled environment. Parents have to make the difficult choice of either raising these children on their own or giving them up to the GRF. The reader will experience Sarah's journey as she leaves her familiar home, meets her biological family, and begins a new life full of new experiences. She will ultimately discover that there is much more to the GRF than she realized. Finding love and working for the government on a secret mission will only be the beginning of her new life. This story will touch your heart and give you hope and encouragement as to the future of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
................
Writing this novel was very therapeutic for me. I was able to use my life experiences as well as the experiences of the many children and young adults I have met over the years. My goal was to capture the thinking process of these unique individuals. I wanted to give the reader a unique perspective into the mind, talents, and challenges they face. Often times I see the reactions and comments made by individuals who just don't understand. They think that autism means "Rainman"...an individual who is a genius at one thing and who otherwise cannot interact with the world around him. That is not always the case. The spectrum is so broad that they are currently changing the guidelines for diagnosis and the labels placed on these people. There is no "one-size fits all" approach when it comes to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. After reading my book, I hope people take the main message I want to convey. That is: although there is no cure for autism, that doesn't mean there is no hope.
The "A" List
When life gives me lemons, I like to make lemonade. That is why I chose to write my very first novel entitled: The "A" List. It is now available on Amazon and I am so excited! The following is the link to the book and information (copy and paste): http://www.amazon.com/The-A-List-Yahnira-Backus/dp/1460912071/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340587290&sr=1-8&keywords=The+%22A%22+List
The story takes place in the future where autism has reached epidemic proportions. The name is changed to ASP and includes all the autism spectrum including ADHD and other diagnosis used today. The main character, Sarah, is a young lady who has graduated from a research facility called the GRF where babies are raised and nurtured in hopes they can reach their full potential. In this world, parents have to make the very difficult choice of either raising their child or giving it up to the GRF in hopes they can have a future.
The reader follows Sarah as she leaves her safe and nurturing environment and begins her life in the real world. Falling in love, working at her first assignment, and being an advocate for millions of people in the world are among some of the challenges she will have to face.
If you like romance, suspence, and long for a story full of hope and encouragment then I totally recommend this book! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it.
The story takes place in the future where autism has reached epidemic proportions. The name is changed to ASP and includes all the autism spectrum including ADHD and other diagnosis used today. The main character, Sarah, is a young lady who has graduated from a research facility called the GRF where babies are raised and nurtured in hopes they can reach their full potential. In this world, parents have to make the very difficult choice of either raising their child or giving it up to the GRF in hopes they can have a future.
The reader follows Sarah as she leaves her safe and nurturing environment and begins her life in the real world. Falling in love, working at her first assignment, and being an advocate for millions of people in the world are among some of the challenges she will have to face.
If you like romance, suspence, and long for a story full of hope and encouragment then I totally recommend this book! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
My Miracle Leaguer
In my town there is a baseball league called The Miracle League. The name says it all! It's truly a miracle and a blessing in my son's life. You see...this league is for children who could not otherwise play baseball. They give everyone an opportunity to play no matter what their handicap may be. My son has Tourette's and has high functioning autism. He also has ADHD. All these factors have unfortunately kept him from playing in the past. Not any more!
Today I witnessed him gain a stronger confidence and have the kind of fun a mother dreams of for her son. He hit the ball the very first time it was pitched to him! I was so proud. He knew that it was a little different, but he never said anything to me. He quietly observed as each person took his/her turn to bat.
There were service dogs and volunteers all over the field. It was such a beautiful sight! The best part was the feeling of acceptance and nonjudgmental attitude. It was so wonderful.
The league goes through adult so that means that he will be able to play for as long as he desires. Perhaps one day he can coach or volunteer. Who knows?
In the meantime I will treasure every moment and smile as he makes new friends. Today it was a boy named DJ who he felt a connection to. They became instant friends. I love that about these kids. It's almost like they are kindred spirits and they know it. If only we all could be that way. What a wonderful world this would be.
Today I witnessed him gain a stronger confidence and have the kind of fun a mother dreams of for her son. He hit the ball the very first time it was pitched to him! I was so proud. He knew that it was a little different, but he never said anything to me. He quietly observed as each person took his/her turn to bat.
There were service dogs and volunteers all over the field. It was such a beautiful sight! The best part was the feeling of acceptance and nonjudgmental attitude. It was so wonderful.
The league goes through adult so that means that he will be able to play for as long as he desires. Perhaps one day he can coach or volunteer. Who knows?
In the meantime I will treasure every moment and smile as he makes new friends. Today it was a boy named DJ who he felt a connection to. They became instant friends. I love that about these kids. It's almost like they are kindred spirits and they know it. If only we all could be that way. What a wonderful world this would be.
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