1. My Introduction

2. My name is Erica Barnes and I am 33 years old. I am the mother of the four young men that you see in the picture. They are Devon(11), Jermiah(9), Corey(7), and Malachi(4). We live in Ft. Irwin, California with their father. This has been a major adjustment for us all. I am a graduate of Ashford University. I have a BA in Social Science with a minor in child development and minor in criminal and social justice. My Master is in Education with a Community and Family Specialization.

3. Army girl In 1999, I enlisted in the United States Army. I enjoy the times I had and getting to see different places. The Army was good to me but I was not so good back. Since leaving the Army I have become a mom, student and a caregiver in my home.

4. My Introduction I was a Army brat so I was always moving around from school to school but there was one teacher who I could never forget. Her name was Mrs. Thompson. She taught me when I was in 5 th grade. She made me want to get everyday and attend school. The school was on a military installation. She made every child including myself that loving school was cool. I am forever grateful for her.

5. My introduction The only work I have really done has been in my home. I am a caregiver for those who cannot afford traditional childcare. I am trained to be an FCC provider but usually don’t chose that route. Much as I love watching kids I love something even more, teaching basketball. My oldest son started basketball at the age of 8. He scored 19 points the first game and has been on the move since. All of my boys love the game so I had to learn everything so I can help them along with others at least achieve enough success to get to a four year college. My hopes is that my masters will give me a platform in the classroom that can help me make leaders on and off the court.

6. My Introduction One thing I stress to my son when he plays is that he plays like he loves the sport and like it’s the last time you every get to play. Education should be exactly the same thing. “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ― Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi