As a single mom on welfare in Oakland, CA, I began my academic career in the community colleges. Through a lot of hard work, I won many fellowships and awards and have several degrees from Ivy League universities. HOWEVER, my priority has always been to help children get the instruction through patience and lots of fun. I always put my daughter first, (which is why I am still working on my dissertation!) This past year I had the opportunity to teach in Providence’s housing projects for mostly se.