GL MakingRoom 2020 Digital - Flipbook - Page 10
Through years of dedication and commitment to education, I continue to see the value
and impact education has on my life. Born and raised in a single-parent home in
the housing projects of rural Middle Tennessee, my mother instilled the importance of
getting an education and respecting those who educate. Education continues to serve
as a foundational pillar in the world. Whether in a public, private, daycare, or collegiate
setting, leadership can be a complex and overwhelming role. The value of education
serves as a beacon of hope for many.
While attending an educational conference in Orlando, FL in March 2018, I spoke with
one of the vendors at the conference, American College of Education (ACE). After
listening to the presentation, I immediately knew that ACE was the right higher learning
institution for me. In May 2018, I enrolled in my first two courses of the education
doctoral program. My pursuit to obtain a life-long dream had just come to fruition.
My desire to stay focused has made a difference in my approach. There were many
focus points acknowledged during my journey. Motivation was an energy source for
such a journey. Due to the surmountable amount of time involved with coursework and
dissertation writing, I understood and appreciated the words of encouragement from
my wife, pastor, and close friends.
I have often heard, “nothing hard comes easy.” A journey destined for success is worthy
of the obstacles which may occur along the way. Working toward a life-long goal and
seeing the fruits of my labor birthed an inner strength to endure. The doctoral journey
required an elevated level of dedication, focus, and time. As a husband, dad, minister,
and middle school principal, I have had to learn and continue to learn the value of
prioritizing.
“A Desire
Decisions are sometimes determined based on internal evaluations. The realization of
success lies internally. Growth and development rest upon the desire of the individual.
Though a pandemic hit our country, it did not stop my pursuit to finish my Ed.D degree.
Once an individual decides what is important, he/she values, protects, and works hard
to achieve it.
TO
PRESS
ON”
For the past 24 years, I have dedicated my life to public education. As a product of
public education, I see and understand the value and need. As my life continues to
unfold, there are several statements I live by:
1.
A willing mind desires to see the mountains moved, but a determined
mind can move the mountains.
2. I choose to believe there are no such things as “problems,” rather, I
view them as “opportunities.”
3. Stress and worry are not permitted in my life: Yesterday is gone,
tomorrow is not promised, so I choose to live in my NOW.
4. Psalm 139:14 (KJV) states: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and
wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth
right well.”
My leadership style embodies three roles. Stewards are those who guide and lead,
mediators keep the environment calm, and the role of a catalyst is to employ initiatives
for the benefit of the organization. As a leader, I seek to bridge collaboration endeavors
with teams who are equipped to handle the known and unknown situations.
To this end, my journey has been most rewarding. The pursuit of my doctoral degree
was the last piece of my professional journey. The day will come when I will capitalize
on the completion of my terminal degree. The foundation of my steadfast, unmovable
mindset is my faith and commitment to God. My unwavering faith continues to keep
me grounded and humbled. It is my desire to live a sermon and be an example to those
I encounter.
GOOD Life