Americans have a belief in our education system as a place of egalitarianism. It may be the single point within our lives where our collective “bootstrap” ideal is most noticeable - in the pressures we put on students, in the institutions and performance markers we have created, in the very way we discuss the problems of education. But our system is not fair, equal, or meritocratic. Those rising aren’t always the objective best. Money plays a role, but our problems are founda

I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of perception—the way people view the world around them and how two people can be looking at the exact same scenario yet see different things. Anais Nin once said, “We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.” I heard this when I was just a little girl, and it is still one of my favorite quotes. It communicates what I believe to be an important truth: that our perceptions of the world shape everything we do—how we communic

I am a die hard, unashamed lover of Tulsa. I've traveled and am aware of what other cities across America have to offer. Yet, despite the benefits of other places, I’m certain Tulsa will forever be my home. When I describe Tulsa to those who are unfamiliar, I try to paint a picture of a community that has a natural inclination to help one another without expecting anything in return. There are good people here who promote good values. Because I was baptized in this ethos of v