As an undergraduate student at Tougaloo College, I was given the opportunity to work in the archives at the campus library. I organized personal documents and mementoes of the late Mississippi House of Representative Aaron Henry. Sifting through his papers was like touching history. I learned about civil rights atrocities and accomplishments in the state of Mississippi that I had never known about. I felt connected to the people and events that happened decades before my birth. I was passionate about the work I performed in the archives. At that time, had no clue that I could make a living exploring that passion until years later. I received my bachelors of Arts degree in history and became a secondary public school teacher. Teaching exposed me to opportunities that I never knew existed. I learned what the requirements were for becoming a school librarian and immediately began working towards my librarian certification. My certification came quickly and months later, I was a librarian. My first year as a librarian was satisfying and intriguing. I had an idea of what I was supposed to be doing as a librarian, but lacked actual experience. I was placed in an elementary school and had no …show more content…
I learned my collection, what my library needed, and what my students and teacher wanted. I made sure I attended professional developments and conferences that provided me with the information and resources that were necessary as librarian. I also developed a network of experienced librarians in my school district that I could ask for assistance. This help allowed me to start a book club, develop an effective summer reading program through my school, coordinate a book buddy program, and chair my school's spelling bee and reading fair. I managed my school's website and collaborated with teachers by providing them with resources that I found