When I came to the Head Start Program, I came in as a single, jobless, unskilled, and unemployed parent. I came in with a low self-esteem after coming out of a failed marriage. Head Start allowed me the opportunity to return to school and earn a college degree. Head Start also presented the opportunity for me to be able to hold my head up high and know that success is earned not given.
As I began this journey, I started as a teacher assistant wanting to fill the void of love in my students who came from improverished homes. I wanted to know that at the end of the day if I had given all that I could give, was it my best, and was that good enough. I never wanted that answer to be "no". When I was promoted to teacher, I knew that in my heart that I'd truly given my all.
I went through a series of jobs and job titles before I settled into the position of center supervisor of Prichard InfraCare Head Start Center. When we came to Alabama Village (myself and 10 employees), we were the ray of hope at the end of the rainbow. We were received and supported by all of the parents. They were relieved to know that someone other than themselves cared about their children and their future. We had single mothers who were playing the roles of both parents with no income. I set out to help those parents with the tools that Head Start had equipped me with.
These families were our personal missions. I wanted these parents to know that there was someone who cared about their well-being, not their environment, and that dignity was accessible and goals were achievable. I see some of those kids and their parents today and they offer an excellent report of where they are in their life. Some are doctors, lawyers, college students, college graduates, professors, engineers, honor roll students, judges, and teachers. In almost any occupation, you will find a former Head Start participant.
Just as Head Start opened the doors and laid foundations, my goal for the parents in this program is to do the same. I'm both gracious and humble to work with this program. When I look back over my time in the program, I can say, "Well done, well done!"
Sincerely,
Sharon Powell