I was never a trouble-maker in school. In fact, I was a very afraid of negative attention (I would probably not have been a great celebrity publicist). I liked to sort of "blend." A wild, and often distracting, imagination dictated my engagement in learning. If I grew disengaged during a lesson at school, I would often start tapping rhythms on my desk or draw random shapes and cartoons. It wasn't that I did not want to learn, but needed kinetic engagement and a creative release. I was a budding artist. Distraction came easy for me, but this was an issue that I would eventually discover and learn to manage.

However, my own history of staying focused and engaged while in school are nothing at all compared to what under-privileged students are experiencing in many school systems. There still exist many cultural and racial biases that can deeply impact the fruitful delivery of a child's education, as well as their growth during adulthood.

Although many children of many cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds have many different ways they learn, society has placed social stigmas on them that make it incredibly more difficult to succeed. A child must believe they can learn before they can grow.

No matter a child's culture, family life or unique ways of learning, we must constantly and consistently provide a pathway to a strong sense of self and purpose in the world.

Whether an annoying pencil tap, a violent gangster rap or tendencies to nap in class, children are telling you what they need. We need to help them realize that they have every ability to hold steadfast to their drumstick pencil, even when society hands them a gun.

Tapping for Truth.

Sitting there tapping on my desk. Chin up, smile wide ready for the test.

Teacher thinking who is that creating sounds just like a gun? Playing like it’s nothing, but you just end up with crumbs. Tap tap tap don’t pay for gas or do the math. Rest your hand around that pen until you crash.

Sitting there doodling a cube. Nice and geometric like I saw on YouTube.

Scribbles in the corner of your perfect piece of paper? Supposed to keep it clean, but instead you’re just a hazer. Taking time to draw these lines, you’re out of line. Soon enough you’ll be committing all the crimes.

Sitting there trying to be heard.

Trying to engage in this unempathetic world.

Screaming at the faces who refuse to really see.

Tapping at the cube of all their fears surrounding me.