Haven attended Montessori school from the time she was two years old until she entered the sixth grade. I truly believe that foundation of her educational background within the Montessori curriculum played an important part of who Haven is today. Montessori and her teachers have shown Haven compassion for her environment, a love of learning, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Haven was diagnosed with dyslexia in the second grade. She struggled immensely for many years to be able to form words, numbers, and to be able to read. Through therapy and with the help of her caring and very patient teachers, Haven was able to approach the disability with grace and determination. She would not have been able to conquer dyslexia or continue her love of learning if it were not for her teachers. I love each of those women as if they were family and will forever be grateful to them for what they have done for my child.
The first time Haven traveled to New York to participate in the Montessori Model United Nations was in 2007. She, along with her fifth grade class, sat on many boards while representing the United Kingdom. She, along with her team members, drafted many resolutions and presented them to the Model UN Governing Council.
I was floored with her work on the resolution of the proliferation of nuclear arms in North Korea. Tell me, please, what 11 year old is or has ever been concerned about nuclear arms or human rights atrocities? A smart one for sure.
Mine.
That experience changed how Haven viewed herself. She saw that her struggle with her learning disability was insignificant in relation to what other people, and especially children, of other countries have to endure. She came home from that trip and told me, "Mom, I am so lucky I live here." And I replied back, "No Haven, you are lucky to have been born a girl in the United States of America. Other girls are not so lucky."
Haven has gone back to the Montessori Model UN many times since then and has continued to educate herself on human rights and armament issues that plague our world. If it were not for the experiences afforded to her through her Montessori school, she may have been a child that gave no thought to others out of her immediate vicinity.
This year, she was asked to become a Rapporteur. A Rapporteur is a member of the dias, a group of people who are in charge of a committee. This was a great honor for Haven, and her duties included keeping the speaker's list and taking the roll call. They have asked her to return next year and she will be given greater responsibilities. She is looking forward to it.
Tomorrow, my Haven turns sixteen years old. This beautiful child has impacted, shaped, and changed every person she has ever encountered. I am amazed at the person of action she has already become during her short time on Earth. I am convinced that her next sixteen years will be even more impactful.
The essence of Haven is this:
There are those that idly sit back and let the world determine their worth, and then there is Haven.
There are those who are defined by what happens to them, and then there is Haven.
There are those who watch wrongdoings from a distance and do not involve themselves, and then there is Haven.
There are those who want to create change but do not feel their voice strong enough to be heard, and then there is Haven.
There are those who are unable to speak for themselves, and then there is Haven.
There are those who do not care, and then there is Haven.
I named her Haven because I knew that she would be my safe place. Little did I know that she would be a safe place for others.
Happy birthday, darling.
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