my kind of girl

I'm feeling proud just now. Tonight Sloane participated in Night of the Notables. Each student chose a famous person they admire to research. They wrote a biography, created a PowerPoint presentation, a life box, and a poster about the person without giving who it was away. Tonight 56 children arrived in the gym in costumes and stood beside their displays. All the parents walked around and guessed who each student was. It was hilarious to see parents using their smart phones to Google and figure each character out.



Sloane's person stumped almost everyone. I teared up when I read the first two lines of her report. Sloane wrote "___________ was the bravest little girl on Earth. By the time she was six years old, she had changed the minds of many people in New Orleans." Sloane went on to tell about how this little girl helped desegregate Louisiana's school system.

Do you know who Sloane's Notable was yet?

Tonight Sloane was Ruby Bridges, and I was so proud. The gym was full of children who admire Disney pop stars, princesses, professional athletes, and Angelina Jolie. My daughter? Sloane admires Ruby Bridges. No, I don't think there is anything wrong with admiring a football or baseball player, but I'd rather my child's hero be someone who sacrifices to do what is right. Someone of great courage. Someone who faces injustice head on. Someone who changes the world, one small, white Ked-wearing step at a time.


Someone like Ruby Bridges.

If we let them, our children teach us many lessons. They make us think about who we are and who we are becoming. They raise questions that need to be asked.

Who do I admire?
If I were to dress up, who would I be?
Who do I plan to emulate?
Are my heroes women who are beautiful, but not much else?
Are they princesses because I dream of the dresses and tiaras?

Or,

Are my heroes strong women who make a difference?
Do I want to emulate women of courage who stand up against injustice?
Do I care more about beauty or substance?
What kind of woman am I becoming?
What kind of example am I setting?
Who are my heroes?

Me?
I'll take Ruby Bridges. Every time.