Really?

I'm not really sure what's going on down at the legislature these days. First the attack on teachers and now an attack on...homosexuality. There is currently a senate bill in the works that would make it illegal to discuss homosexuality in schools before ninth grade. Because didn't you know that if we don't talk about it, it will go away? And if we don't tell these kids about it, they won't be gay! Big gay problem solved, right? WRONG, my friends. Knoxville's own Stacey Campfield sites his bill as a way to clear up some time for teachers to focus on science, reading and math...since I know so many teachers that spend HOURS talking about the gays. Is he serious?

While I understand that each family has it's own outlook on alternative lifestyles including homosexuality, brushing such ever growing subjects under the rug is senseless. It will only create more questions in the long run. It's not 1950 people! Get with the times!

My Generation

I worry for my generation and the marriages and the relationships we will have. We've grown up watching our parents fight tooth and nail to make things in their relationships work. Often times, they end up not working at all. What kind of outlook does that leave for us?

I personally have grown up with the motto of "Anything worth having is worth fighting for." And to a certain extent, this is so true. I've worked hard to get to the places I am today and will continue to work hard to succeed throughout my life. But should I have to fight to be happy? Maybe I'm naive, but I believe that a relationship should be easy. I'm not saying there should never be tough times, but the hard times shouldn't outnumber the easy times. Love should be fun and carefree. It shouldn't be a constant struggle. But is this what we've been shown? Are our parents setting that example for us?

Some have said my standards are too high. I will admit, I am very picky. But I ask you, Why shouldn't I be? Should I not look for exactly what I want in a husband? After all, I will be spending the rest of my life with him! I want to find the person that completes me. The person I don't have to fight with to make it work. And until I do, or until you find that person, why settle?

An Open Letter to Sen. Rodney Tom of Washington

This is a verbatim copy of the email I sent Sen. Tom after reading this article today. If I receive a reply, I'll be sure to post it as well.

Hello Sen. Tom.

I just read an article with a quote from you about teachers salary, budgets, etc. The particular quote I'm referring to is:

“Education is one of the few areas where a superstar and a slug get paid the same,” said Tom. “In any real profession, it doesn’t work that way.”

My question is what exactly is a real profession if education is not one? I am a student in Tennessee that is one year away from my certification to be a 7-12 Math teacher. I am so excited about my chosen profession and can't wait to get in the classroom. Once there, I hope to make a difference in even just one of my student's lives, much like some teacher made an impact on your life I'm sure. So please explain to me how education isn't a "real profession" or what exactly was meant by that comment. I understand that I am not one of your prospective voters at this time, but I would love a response on this matter.

Thank you,

Kayla Fisher
615-934-4052

P.S. I would like to remind you that without educators, you wouldn't be able to correctly form that sentence or read this email. Just a little food for thought.