Yesterday, I had an opportunity to influence the lives of some young men and women. I was invited to speak to some amazing students at the Church Hill Academy in Richmond. Initially they looked at me as just another person in a suit & tie coming to talk down to them for the next 20 minutes. However, I know the importance and the power that comes from connecting with people. I was invited to share my “not-so-smooth” journey from substitute teacher in Caroline County to Director of School Safety & Disciplinary Hearing Officer for Hanover County Public Schools.
I told them about how I got kicked out of UVA because I did too much partying and not enough studying (I did return and graduated), how I was unemployed and on welfare, how I had to sheepishly return to substitute teaching, how the death of my dad in June 2011 nearly derailed this doctoral journey, and how disappointed I was when I did not get the Principal’s job at my former school.
My purpose for sharing was to show them that despite past actions and/or poor decisions, it is never too late to begin the rest of their lives. I told them that GOD does not make mistakes, so I believed something better was in store for me – and the Director’s position was that something. Before we realized it, the planned 20-minute speech was over an hour. Some of them opened up and reflected on regrettable moments in their past. Without a doubt, I could have spent the rest of the day getting to know them. I eagerly look forward to being invited back to check on their progress. They are remarkable! Be well everyone, and I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving.
Thanks for sharing YOUR story. Students and some adults do not always realize behind the suit is a real person. A person who has possibly gone through the “fire” of life. We all have choices in life and at times we do make the right decisions but there is always an opportunity to change and do better.
Life is about choices. Every second, every minute, and every hour, we have the chance to make a different choice. At school, I tell my 6th graders life is about the POWER OF CHOICE.
Although you may never know who I am sure YOUR story changed a life for the better.