With all the news about us “threatening” job action and posts I have recently shared, time to give my 2 cents. I have been blessed to have had many jobs I have loved but nothing has fed my soul like my job as an E.A. If you haven’t been lucky enough to do it, I don’t know if I can adequately describe what it’s like. I am working with children who are viewed not only as different, but as less than by many other people.
I love the children I care for fiercely. I refuse to accept that their voice should not be heard. I refuse to accept that their emotions aren’t valuable. I refuse to accept that they do not have the ability to change others’ view of them. I will be their voice if they cannot find it yet. I will help them navigate to a place of safety where they are special, important, and loved, just because of who they are.
But if I am willing to do that every day for money that keeps me below the poverty line, I need to use that same voice to say I am also not less than. I do a job that is different than the teachers but just as valuable. It is time this government noticed and acknowledged that. I cannot help every child. I cannot change everything. But I will do my best to help this child, today, and trust that it will make a difference in their lives. It sure has made a difference in mine.
Sarena Gray,
Special Education Assistant