Education News Spring 2021 | Page 9

Being Blessed

By Dr . Latika Raisinghani
Being Blessed … Blessed I am to be able to live , learn , teach and raise my children on the ancestral , traditional territories of Indigenous peoples of Canada and learn through the wisdom of Indigenous Elders in Residence Blessed I am to feel the warmth of the Sun and coolness of the wind , see the stars , the moon , and the rainbows , touch the snowflakes , hear the rain drops and smell the earth … Blessed I am to have a safe space to stay , have enough food and most of all have a healthy body , hopeful mind , healing heart and a happy spirit … Blessed I am to remember my parents and their love and teachings as I laugh and cry with my sisters and talk with my husband … a blessing of technology that allows us to connect our far worlds together … Blessed I am to be part of this learning community that inspires and engages with me in collaborative initiatives of teaching , research , and writing … and cheers me up by reaching out to me with a cup of virtual coffee … Blessed I am to see myself re-membered and become a member in my students ’ lives as they write … [ I have ] learned a lot about myself and the type of teacher I might become . I feel more secure in myself as someone who will teach science . You have taught me much beyond the course material . This journey has helped me understand more of who I am as well as what kind of educator I strive to be . It was really a pleasure to know you , as a teacher and as a person . You are a gem both ways . Your caring personality touched everyone ' s heart . The picture you presented today as your eco-artifact was inspiring . This picture has popped up on my UR Courses throughout the semester many times and my little sister was constantly amazed at the beauty in it as we live in a small town and do not see many things like that . I appreciate all the knowledge you have provided me with this semester and I will carry it on with me not only through my education but through my life . You have given us a life trajectory to follow Latika …
Blessed I am to count my blessings and find them countless … It ’ s a blessing to be blessed !
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Photo by Dr . Latika Raisinghani
Education News | Page 9