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Improve Literacy with ELA Higher Learning Standards (Even if You Hate Them)

I was shocked by the immediate interest of students in reading my first book, Life After Birth: A Memoir of Survival and Success as a Teenage Mother. Then I learned teachers were actually using it to help students improve literacy. First,…

SO What is Literacy?

What is Literacy After publishing my first book, Life After Birth- A Memoir of Survival and Success a Teenage Mother, I was amazed by how many students and educators were reading my story. A 5th grade guidance counselor told me that her students…
Summer Owens holding first copy of her memoir

Sharing My Life Story Changed My Entire Life

Okay, I can admit it. I cried. If you're a parent, do you remember the first time you held your child? You'd waited months for that moment to see and hold that "thing" that had just been an idea or how it would actually look and feel…
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Reading and Real Life- The Journey to the Literacy, Life Skills, and Character Education Curriculum

When I published my first book, Life After Birth- A Memoir of Survival and Success as a Teenage Mother I had no idea the impact it would have on students and adults. I was just telling my story. And I had no idea that people all over the world…
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When Silence Doesn’t Make Sense

When I was asked to issue an official statement on the racial injustices many African Americans are currently facing and have for too long, I was ready. I didn't know what I would say and could barely verbalize how hurt. And even afraid I felt,…
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7 Tips for Surviving 7 Years as an Entrepreneur

This morning when I woke up I followed my new normal routine. I drank a 32-ounce bottle of water with my favorite energy powder added, put on workout clothes, and headed out the door for a 3-mile walk/run. That's what gives me the energy…
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Chapter 41- My COVID-19 Birthday

Because of the meaning of my birthday (much more than me being born), I always try to do something significant on my birthday. And write about it. Like for all the people who canceled birthday plans- and wedding plans, graduation plans,…
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10 Ways the Coronavirus is Forcing 2020 Vision

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you're aware of the COVID-19 crisis that has disrupted our entire world in a matter of months. Rounding out 2019, I don't think anyone (with the exception of a few people) had any idea this was coming.…
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My Journey to the Motherland- Accra, Ghana Day 11

On the last day in Ghana, we packed up and checked out of the Airbnb. Because our flight wasn't until almost midnight we headed to Justin's parent's house to unload our things. We handle the last-minute business of preparing to ship thousands…