Priscilla was first my English teacher in my primary years at TEEP. She then became my colleague, quickly after that, my mentor and now, my sister for life. I had no idea my relationship with her would grow to be so impactful. In the few English lessons at summer ‘camp’, she taught me how to appreciate the magical way that words could be put together to form sense, in what felt like a non-sensible world as a teenager.
Priscilla continued to teach me important lessons through my adolescence. As I grew in the program, she introduced me to the tools I had no idea lived within me, due to the constant pressures imposed onto me because of my POC identity. She taught young people like me to look deeper, beyond the surface value of all things like the value that a pencil and paper truly holds. She helped me notice, identify and unlearn the problematic norms of a systematic society. She encouraged me and other young people to make new paths because our existence is valid and enough to matter.
Priscilla was often my only cheerleader. She allowed us, young people, to live, freely. Holding that kind of knowledge when you are young opens up new realms of perspective and can make you feel powerful. Priscilla did that for us often. She reminded us of our power and leadership.