MLK National Historic Site

While attending the AVID Summer Institute in Atlanta, GA I found some time to get away and visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s National Historic Site. I, along with some of my colleagues walked over to the site from our hotel. As we were walking down we could see the history and the depletion of the neighborhood which once thrived in the sixties. Many of the buildings were torn down and uninhabited. There were many homeless individuals occupying various parts of the neighborhood.

When we finally arrived at the site, it was as if you had walked into the past. The first thing you saw was Dr. King's church, Ebenezer Baptist. The same church that he attended and the same church that held his premature funeral. I was standing on the same street, as thousands of people where 40 years ago during his funeral procession. I also took a photo near he and his wife's tombstone.

While I was there I learned many new things about the life of Dr. King. One thing that stuck with me the most was this quote that was posted in the museum.

"Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of selfishness. This the judgement. Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

These words, are words that I try to live by everyday as an educator, father, husband, mentor and friend. I must remember that my life will be measured ultimately by what I have done for others.

Lastly, if you are in the area I highly recommend you visit this special site.

--
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com

Advancement Via Individual Determination-AVID

I just got back from Atlanta, GA were I attended a training session for AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and let me start out by saying that I am eager to get underway.

AVID is a unique program targeted at middle of the road students who are often times invisible in the classroom. The type of students who get by academically and rarely cause any issues behaviorally. The students, that need some support and instruction on preparing themselves for college.

What impressed me most about the AVID program and the five day institute was the passion and fire that was there by the organization and by other attendees on making sure underrepresented students get to college.

This September, I along with my AVID site team will be embarking on our first cohort of AVID students. We have 46 students engaging in this journey. I will keep you all posted!

For more information on AVID check out their website: www.avidonline.org

Living the Dream!
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.

Missing in Action

It’s been a long time since my last blog post. Life has gotten hectic this summer. Currently, I am taking two sessions worth of Doctoral classes at the University of Rochester, working, and most importantly spending time with my wife and son. I promise to get refocused and reenergized with my posts.

Living the Dream!
Mr. Soler