07/23/2025
PARENTS: PLEASE TEACH YOUR KIDS HUMILITY 🙏🏼
Yesterday in one of my classes during instructional time, a student asked if I had gotten my jacket from Wal-Mart. I said “actually I got it from the GW!”
“The what??”
“You know, the Goodwill 🤩💁🏼♀️💃🏼!” (Cue Elle Woods’ infamous hair flip)
Now I had everyone’s full attention.
“That’s nasty Mrs. Hicks.”
“I don’t wanna be wearing clothes that somebody else already worn.”
“I only wear like Nike and stuff.”
That’s when the real life lesson was taught…
You see, whether I buy my clothes brand new or used, name brand or from Wal-Mart, those clothes are going to get washed in the same machine with the same water and detergent, along with all of the new and used work clothes, play clothes, church clothes and farm clothes. 🙃 Not to mention, most of the clothes you and I wear, regardless of what brand is on the tag, all get made in the same textile factories in other foreign countries.
Plus, I’ve gotten plenty of name-brand clothes from Goodwill: Nike, Under Armour, Ralph Lauren, Carhartt, Daniel Cremieux, etc. Y’all are just missing out!
And back to math we went.
*I can look around my classes on any day and tell you the students who aren’t as fortunate. Who have no choice but to wear the same few changes of clothes on a constant rotation every week. And I’ll be cursed if those kids are made to feel uncomfortable in my presence just because they’re wearing some second-hand, un-labeled clothes.
*I’ve been broke before yet I’ve always been blessed. I know what it’s like to count change and buy ramen noodles to get me through til the next paycheck. And I’m a better person now because of it.
*My health has taken a downward turn the past several months and I started the new year with a not-great diagnosis. If you think *fashun* is at the top of my priority list these days, you’re OUT YO MIND.
*Labels do not define you as a person. Your character does. And if you’re investing more worth in your clothes and outward appearance than your grades, your behavior and how you treat others, then you’re setting yourself up for failure.
*Please teach your kids to be humble. You never know when life might knock you down a few notches and your only choice is to clothe yourself with a $3 pullover from Goodwill.
Credit: Allison Hicks
