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In deciding if and what to write about, I wanted to pick a topic that I am passionate about; a topic connected to the life lessons taught at CLP; and practical with a positive impact on our community.

I finally decided on education.

Education has been largely viewed as an economic accelerator; it has certainly proved to be so for me. Growing up, it was emphasized all around me – by my parents, uncles, aunts, friends, parents of friends, and neighbors.

Higher education was not my original career path. I always planned on attending law school, but did not know what the next step would be. I knew working with and supporting people was my dream, but was not sure what career opportunity would satisfy this dream. After much exploration, I soon became passionate about education, through two distinct, unique experiences.

During my final year of law school, I built a good relationship with the school’s career services director, an African American woman. She guided me through the next step decision-making process and recommended that I try a position that became available at the school. According to her, this position would give me the opportunity – and independence – to work directly with students (especially minority students) and help shape policies and practices that may affect their academic progress.

The second experience was mentoring the only son of a former colleague. He was a high school football player, from a great family, had college football potential, but needed some mentoring around staying academically focused and having friends that would keep him on the right track. I invested a lot of time with him, and the 1:1 experience gave me insight into how kids view the world. I realized how a lot of work is needed to mentor kids on the importance of education and not just relying on the school district or a dream of one day playing in the NFL. There has to be a solid plan B.

After I started my first job in higher education, I networked and researched the meaning and value of an education. After five years at that position, my mind was pretty much made up that this was the field to make the most impact on kids. Working with students with disabilities and minority students gave me the opportunities I desired to support and make an impact on each student.

Over 18 years later, I have been extensively involved in K-12, trade school, and higher education. I have been humbled to be in positions to advise, advocate, and mentor kids on my experience and the importance of a post-secondary education, whether college or a trade school. In addition, I have been able to shape policies that positively affect the educational experiences of students. I have met diverse students with different challenges, academic and personal. I have met their families and built lifelong relationships. Working with students and their families is my professional calling.

Far too few of our young people have access to education. Even those who do, often are not granted the ability or resources to succeed in these environments.

Access to a post-secondary education can be hampered by a variety of factors which includes: being a first-generation college student, lack of proper guidance at the high school level, racial disparities within school districts, and family economic dynamics.

Students who are first-generation struggle to understand the post-education process due to a lack of mentorship; their parents do not have the personal stories and experiences to share. Similar family dynamics exist when the student comes from a low-income and/or single-parent home. Often times, the parent struggles to balance working multiple jobs and investing time in their kids’ education.

Under-resourced and badly managed school districts also play a role. Many districts display lack of proper planning and preparation for students graduating from high school. These districts fail to help students to properly plan their post-secondary life, dispel myths around a college or technical trade education, or talk about the economic accelerator that a post-secondary education is.

Over the years, I have seen first-hand that education not only positively impacts the student, it also positively impacts the community. I hope we will each find unique ways to encourage the youth in our communities to pursue this impactful journey. Our local schools, community and youth centers would welcome our involvement.

When we are put in positions of influence, it is our duty to help those behind us. We have an obligation to give back, especially when we find ourselves in spaces that provide us with the influence to do so. At CLP we talk about “holding space.” I see this as “holding space” for the kids behind us, so they can in turn hold space for the generation behind them.

To reach Goldie directly: gadele1@hotmail.com

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