Dr. James Whitfield

Reflection

Weekly With Whitfield – Parenthood

by 2 Comments

Among life’s most profound joys, few can match the bliss found in parenthood. It is such a transformative journey of love, sacrifice, and growth – a journey that has changed my life for the better. 

I am a father to three amazing children. My eldest son, Jordan, is 27 years old. My daughter, Lauren, is 22 years old. And my youngest, Landon, is 10 years old. I’ve got quite the range of ages. But what a blessing and honor it is to be their father. Each of them have taught me unique things about myself that I may have never understood without their existence. Grateful is truly an understatement.

Baby Boy

Landon, who will be in fifth grade in the fall, is out for summer break. With that, he and I spend most every day together as I am an educator and have flexible summers. This week I was scrolling through my Google photos album, which is filled with videos from when he was a baby till now.  I was struck at just how fast 10 years can fly by. And the joy and happiness that I see in these videos and pictures is reflective of the experience of daily life with him. These aren’t just moments that have been singled out to be part of some montage. What I see is a reflection of daily life with this amazing young person. At this stage in my life to get the experience of daily life through the eyes of a child is absolutely beautiful. What a wondrous ride it is.

Baby Girl

I had an opportunity to have lunch with my beautiful baby girl, Lauren, this week. When my baby girl asks if I want to do lunch, I do lunch. As I listened to her vision for the future, her hopes for a better world, and her ideas of what to do to impact the lives of people in a deep and meaningful way, I was moved beyond words. This young lady amazes me every day. She’s got so many creative ideas and things that will help people who need it the most. I hope she knows how very proud I am of her. She has such a deep care for the lives of others. At 22 years of age she’s a college graduate, she’s gainfully employed, and she’s working on becoming an entrepreneur.  If you get a chance to meet Lauren you will initially be struck by her glow, her outward beauty.  But what is most impressive is the shine that is within. I’m so proud of her and honored to be her father.

The O.G.

A couple weeks ago my eldest son, Jordan, invited me to be his guest at the annual Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce luncheon, which was held this week. If you’ve ever met Jordan you know that he is an amazing young man. Truly, he is the best man I know. And to be his guest at this event made my heart so very happy. To enter the space of this luncheon of roughly 900 guests and watch him work a room, engaging with folks – his smile, his interest in people’s lives, his ability to carry a conversation – was something to behold. Usually in those spaces I’m the one out doing the talking and mixing but on that day I simply took a backseat in pride and watched my baby boy, a boy that entered my life at the age of 17 years old, shine. He absolutely changed the course of my life for the better. And I have no doubt that all who cross his path will be all the better for it.

Shifting the Narrative

The absence of a father figure in my life initially left a void. Yet, in the depths of that void, seeds of resilience and determination took root. On most evenings, in my childhood, my mother and I would sit out on our bench swing in the front yard. So many fond conversations on that swing. One of the recurring conversations was that of the husband and father I promised to be for my wife and kids when that time came. Over time, I would recognize that the absence of a father did not define my worth or my potential to be an exceptional father myself. Instead, it would spark a fire within me to become the father I longed for.

Over the last 27 years, I’ve had the honor of witnessing the magic of parenthood unfold. This journey has been about creating a sanctuary of love and support, where dreams can flourish. Through every bedtime story, scraped knee kissed, and heartfelt conversation, my hope is to craft a legacy that transcends generations. To my own father, I offer forgiveness and gratitude. I carry your lessons with me, not as a burden, but as a source of inspiration to be the best father I can be. Offering no resentment, only love.

I am guided by love, driven by purpose, and devoted to creating a better future for my children. In this sacred role, I cherish the privilege of being a father –  knowing that I have the power to shape lives, to cultivate dreams, and to foster love that will ripple through generations to come. And as I watch my children grow, I am humbled by the amazing humans they have become. Being your father is truly one of life’s greatest joys!

Parent Appreciation

Shout out to all the amazing parents out there making it happen for your children. It’s a challenging role, filled with a rollercoaster of emotions. Along the way it’s natural to question if you’re doing it “right”. In those moments, grant yourself grace and remember that being a parent doesn’t come with instructions, per say. Each child is different and will bring forth their own unique challenges that may make you question yourself. In those moments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to someone. Chances are, someone out there has faced the same parenthood challenges. You’re not alone. And you are exactly the right person for the job. You are divinely appointed. 

Weekly With Whitfield – Serendipity

by Leave a Comment

The story of my life is filled with many twists and turns – unbelievable highs and devastating lows. But, through it all, God has revealed a power and purpose deeper than I could ever imagine. By no means am I suggesting that it’s been easy. Far from it. The journey has been incredibly challenging. That said, each passing day reminds me just how fortunate I am for every bit of it – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and how it has shaped the husband, father, and community partner I aspire to be.

The last couple years have been quite heavy for our family. We have felt every emotion imaginable, but we have maintained our strength and resolve throughout. We draw that strength in a multitude of ways. But this week I was reminded, on several occasions, of one of those sources of strength that has been sustaining, encouraging, affirming and validating. And that is the many serendipitous encounters with a wide range of individuals. With each passing week I am uplifted by these serendipitous moments – moments that seem to hit right on time even if I didn’t know or feel it.

For Kids

Some of the most powerful moments come directly from the many former students. Without fail, these tend to come in moments where I may be feeling the lowest. It could be a student I had back in my 9th grade World Geography class, a player I coached, or one of the many students I served as a school administrator. With each encounter I am left with a great sense of joy and purpose-filled. Ultimately, they are why I do what I do and to have so many who have been so gracious to say hello, express their gratitude and share about what’s going on in their lives means the world to me. 

The “Dark Side”

As I entered education I was solely focused on being a classroom teacher and a basketball coach. Never, in a million years, did I imagine I’d take this journey into school administration. I remember when I made the decision to jump into school administration, one of my teaching colleagues said “oh no, James. Don’t go to the dark side!” But as time went on, and I continued my education, I began to see huge gaps in what was being asked of teachers and actions of administrators – why this stellar educator would view administration as “the dark side”. In the classroom, teachers are encouraged to engage their students but I saw little to no true engagement from administrators to teachers. Compliance seemed to be held above engagement and I saw the impact that had on many of my colleagues. 

So I committed to do this work as a school leader in a different way – in a way that uplifts, engages, encourages, celebrates, values, trusts, connects, and empowers educators to bring their full and authentic selves to school each day to do the most important work on the planet – educating the hearts and minds of our young people. Along the way I’ve learned from, and grown with, so many phenomenal educators. By no means do I claim to have it all figured out. In this work, as in life, when you think you’ve got it all figured, rest assured, something will come along and humble you. Instead, I continually seek opportunities to reflect, learn, and grow in my leadership journey.

Be Impeccable with Your Word

And, sometimes, that journey of reflection and growth can come with a seedy dose of self-doubt. Our minds are one of the most powerful tools in the universe. In his best-seller, The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz discusses being “impeccable with your word”. At its core, this agreement acknowledges the immense creative power of language, acknowledging that our words can either uplift and inspire or inflict wounds and perpetuate suffering. So often, we tend to think about how our words can hurt others. But I want to give a nudge for us to consider how negative self-talk can actually be more harmful than anything we’d ever dare say to another person.

Being impeccable with our word begins within. It calls for self-awareness and a commitment to authenticity. We must find strategies and mechanisms to avoid self-deception or negative self-talk. By using our words and thoughts in a spirit of self-love, we cultivate a positive self-image and strengthen our personal integrity. Believe me, I get it…easier said than done. But that brings me to serendipity.

Serendipitous Encounters: Renewal, Encouragement, and Gratitude

Just as I’ve run into countless former students over the course of my career, I’ve encountered many former educators I’ve served as an administrator. These encounters always leave me feeling renewed, refreshed, and encouraged for our profession. Strangely enough, whether or not I know it heading into these encounters, I leave thinking “that was right on time”. I am so very grateful for the many people out there who take the time from what they’re doing to stop and say “hello”, lend a kind, supportive word, or share some anecdote of how you may have played even a small role in their journey as an educator. It is the ultimate data point for me, as this work is about the people.

Serendipitous Encounters with New Friends and Allies

Over the last couple of years, as my story has played out in local and national media, that circle of educators, parents/guardians, and youth has expanded. With each passing week there’s some sort of serendipitous encounter with someone in one of these groups. From social media messages to emails to chance encounters in public spaces – each interaction stokes my passion and purpose to press on even in the midst of such chaotic and turbulent times. 

One such encounter happened just the other day as our family was out to eat with friends. As I walked to the bar to order a drink for my wife and I, there stood a person ready to greet me with a big smile and an extended hand. As we shook hands they said “Dr. Whitfield, right?” I responded, jokingly, “you got me”, as I lifted my hat to expose my shiny, bald head. After a brief chuckle they went on to share that they’re a principal in a nearby district and just wanted to say hello and let me know how much they support who I am and what I stand for. 

As I thanked them for their kind words they went on to share a bit more background saying, “and I want you to know that my appreciation and admiration goes deeper than all this foolishness that’s been thrown at you and how you’ve handled it with such grace. Actually, I was an assistant principal at a local school when COVID struck. And you were the principal of one of our teachers’ kids. She came in and showed me the videos you were making for the students, staff, and community and I thought ‘that’s some good stuff – I need to follow that dude’, and I have followed your journey ever since.”

They added, “So just know that, for so many, you were, and are, a model for what true leadership should and could look like even before all this came your way.”

Accepting Your Flowers – Appreciation

I’ll just say it – I am terrible at accepting compliments, but have gotten better over the course of time. In full transparency – it was hard to even type the above paragraph because I, in no way, want to self-aggrandize. But my journey has taught me that it’s important to acknowledge and accept these kind sentiments. Doing so shows appreciation to the person who made the effort to share. Additionally, it becomes a powerful tool for being impeccable with my word, allowing myself the opportunity to practice self-love and appreciation.

Gratitude, Purpose, and the Power to Move Forward

This was one of several serendipitous moments that happened over the course of this past week, and each was accepted with deep gratitude. These moments happen to each of us in different ways throughout the course of our busy lives. Sometimes in the form of small whispers. Other times in thunderous applause. Each with the capacity to nudge us along our paths, which can often be mired in the vast complexities of our daily lives. And, while they may not know it right now, I have faith that those reading these words may soon have that moment of serendipity that reinforces their purpose, passion, or simply their will to be. It’s coming. The universe is sending it your way. Listen and/or watch for it. When you hear it and/or see it, embrace it. Then use that serendipitous power to propel you as you move forward. 

Weekly With Whitfield – Reframe

by Leave a Comment

It’s wild how swiftly time has flown, bringing us to the month of June, 2023. When I embarked on this introspective journey at the beginning of the year, I couldn’t have predicted the path it would take. While the idea of starting a weekly blog intrigued me, I was well aware of the challenge of maintaining consistency week after week. To those who have joined me on this adventure, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Your feedback, words of encouragement, and active participation have played a vital role in keeping me motivated and pushing me forward.

For those who have been accompanying me over the past couple of years, you know that it has been an extraordinary journey. I’ve faced unwarranted criticism from individuals who don’t truly know me, but I’ve also received recognition and praise from organizations that share my passion for youth and education. Some days, I’ve struggled to find the strength to get out of bed, while other days, the presence of remarkable individuals in my life has ignited inspiration within me.

Throughout this journey, I’ve found solace in moments of quiet contemplation. Additionally, I’ve been uplifted and motivated by a select few, including my beloved wife, who have stood unwaveringly by my side through every twist and turn. Along the way, I’ve learned valuable lessons and had my existing beliefs reaffirmed.

These past years have presented me with a conundrum. At times, bitterness, disgust, and anger have consumed me. Yet, in other moments, I’ve felt immense gratitude, encouragement, and motivation. It has been a whirlwind of emotions, but I have no doubt that God is paving the way for greater things.

The ability to overcome adversity is deeply influenced by our capacity to reframe. In the face of significant changes in my day-to-day life, I refuse to abandon my purpose. Let me be clear—it’s not an easy feat. It demands intentional effort and unwavering focus. But it’s undeniably worth it. Never underestimate the transformative power of reframing.

When we engage in the practice of reframing, we empower ourselves to find strength and meaning in the face of great odds. Its power creates space for us to challenge limiting beliefs and reevaluate our circumstances through a more optimistic lens. It lifts us from victimhood to empowerment, recognizing that we have the ability to shape our own narratives. By consciously choosing to reframe, we gain control and agency over our lives. Back in the driver’s seat, we are able to find hidden opportunities, cultivate gratitude for what we have, and focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. 

So, while it may be tempting to dwell on grievances and anxieties from the past couple of years, I choose not to do so. Instead, I will reframe my perspective and focus on the fact that, despite all the challenges, I still stand tall. I am immensely grateful for the support of good friends, advocates, and my incredible family. In every line of my song, there they stand beside me. I consider myself extremely fortunate.

My wish for you is that you embrace whatever discomfort comes your way. Reframe those unique challenges that cross your path and rewrite the script, transforming them into beautiful opportunities. Believe in your ability to do so, because you can.

Weekly With Whitfield – Endings

by 4 Comments

Throughout this week, the concept of endings has occupied my thoughts, leading me to ponder the profound role they play in shaping our lives. As the familiar sound of the school bell reverberated through the air, my eyes were fixed on my son, Landon, who, in that very moment, transitioned from a fourth grader to a fifth grader. The previous year had dissipated like dust in the wind as he excitedly dashed towards me, arms wide open for an affectionate embrace.

Happy Retirement

However, my gaze extended beyond the immediate, and I noticed Mrs. Pybus, his teacher, lingering in the distance. In this moment, I realized that for Mrs. Pybus, this marked the culmination of a profound and storied career. Landon had the privilege of being a part of her final class before she chose to embark on the journey of retirement. The conclusion of fourth grade for Landon mirrored the final notes of a symphony composed of Mrs. Pybus’ unwavering dedication to the service of children—a harmonious culmination of a lifelong pursuit.

Endings are complex and multifaceted, evoking a mixture of emotions that ebb and flow within us. They carry with them a sense of uncertainty that shrouds our path forward. Yet, nestled within the depths of this uncertainty lies an extraordinary revelation: as we bid farewell to one chapter, we create fertile ground for new beginnings to take root and flourish.

Time Flies

Although we still have one more year of elementary school left with our youngest child, I am acutely aware of how swiftly this chapter will draw to a close. This realization has been solidified through my experiences with both Jordan and Lauren, my older children. It feels as though it was only yesterday when they embarked upon their tentative first steps into the realm of kindergarten, their innocent eyes brimming with curiosity and wonder. And yet, like a fleeting wind gust, they have matured into remarkable individuals, confidently donning their caps and gowns, clutching their hard-earned college degrees. There was a time when these transitions filled me with melancholy, a sense of loss as familiar chapters reached their final pages. However, as time has passed, I have learned to embrace the inherent opportunities that lie within endings, and I cherish the privilege of being present to witness the dawning of new beginnings alongside my children.

Endings, rather than being definitive conclusions, should be perceived as the threshold to a fresh chapter in the intricate story of our lives. Instead of succumbing to worry or apprehension, I urge you to wholeheartedly embrace each moment and seize the opportunity to embark on this new season with unwavering enthusiasm and resolute determination. 

Weekly With Whitfield – Joy

by 1 Comment

In about a month you’ll turn 22. It’s so hard to believe that much time has passed since I was blessed with your presence. It feels like only yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital. You gave a new, unique perspective to my life. Your presence made me officially a “girl dad”.  As I looked into your beautiful brown eyes you strengthened me and made me weak in the knees at the same time.

Elements of Joy

You’ve brought me so many joyous memories throughout the years…

The “but daddy” eyes. 

The shoulder rides. 

The faces you made when I tossed you in the air. 

The roller-coaster, holding you in my arms, whirling around the room, up and down, round and round. 

The endless horsey rides. 

The performances on the “stage” that was Ma’s fireplace. 

The little blue car rides. 

The swings – “higher daddy, higher” to the point of flipping out of the swing and landing on your back – me, freaking out momentarily, only for you to jump up and say “AGAIN Daddy” – ummm, no ma’am. 

The Barbies. 

The American Girl dolls.

The bedtime stories, sweet goodnight kisses, and “love you, daddy”. 

Trying my best to do something halfway decent with your hair.

Hannah Montana. 

The softball tournaments that lasted all weekend in the Texas sun. Those softball chants, tho, Lo. 

One Direction. 

Makeup enters the party.

Being able to go to the same middle school together (how lucky were you to have your dad as an assistant principal all three years of middle school). 

Harry Styles mania.

Throughout the years, your unmatched self-motivation to go above and beyond in all you endeavored (athletics, academics, etc).

The banquets.

The birthday parties (which planning for the next party was to always begin before the current party was even over).

The daddy-daughter lunches/coffees.

Your dedication and commitment.

Your resolve.

Your vulnerability.

Your creativity.

Your brilliance.

Your beauty.

Your heart.

Your passion for life.

Your joy.

This list could go on and on. So many beautiful memories, leaving deep and lasting imprints on my heart. And I am a better man today because I was chosen to be your father. The long and the short of it is this – you’re one of my greatest joys, baby girl.

Karaoke Queen

As I watched you get up there and belt out karaoke this weekend in Music City (Nashville, TN) I may have shed a tear or two. You didn’t see it. It was very discreet…but it happened. You, my love, exude a joyous energy that fills every room you enter. You turned a slow night at the karaoke joint into a bustling movement in a matter of minutes with your unique ability to let loose, have fun, encourage others, and draw people in. You are JOY!

College Grad

Today, as I watched you accept that college diploma I couldn’t help but tear up again. College graduate added to the list of awesome things I’ve been able to witness along this journey of being your father. It’s so surreal.  I am so proud of you, Lo. And I have no doubt that Ma is smiling down with pride as her great granddaughter joins her as an alumni of UNT – Go Mean Green.

The Nest Episode

And now begins another step in your journey. Beautiful opportunities will surely present themselves in short order. And as you venture into this next chapter there will be days that will seek to strip you of your joy – to diminish your light. Such is life. In these moments, I hope that you always give yourself the space to be still. I wish you the discernment and awareness to recognize when your joy is being threatened. And the strength and fortitude to reclaim that joy quickly and keep shining your brilliance into the world.

To be along for this ride is truly one of God’s greatest gifts. You’ve filled my heart with joy. I am so very proud of you. And I wish you all the joy in the world as you navigate future days. You have so much to offer the world, my love. I’m excited to watch your journey unfold.

Keep singin’ loud, dancin’ wild, and dreamin’ big, sweet girl! I love you!

Weekly With Whitfield – Resilience

by Leave a Comment

Resilience is a tricky term. The trait often draws high praise, and rightly so. Resilience can nudge individuals to persevere and thrive in the face of great adversity. However, far too often I’ve seen resilience used as a tool to perpetuate the inherently challenging and, sometimes oppressive, systems. When resilience is continually required, it can create a society that normalizes and even encourages overwork, burnout, and mental health issues.

I grapple with this word quite a bit. On one hand, I’m a firm believer in the power of resilience. Over the course of my life I’ve seen that power play out like a broken record. Without question, the adversities I’ve faced have taught me valuable lessons. These challenging times forced me to strengthen those resilient muscles that may have otherwise atrophied.

Resilience as a Tool 

I’ve served in schools where talks of resilience were used as tools to inspire hope. Posters and weekly themes on things such as resilience, grit, and the likes litter hallways and classrooms. School-wide assemblies are held to address this trait of resilience, highlighting its power to help students overcome obstacles.

In every space I’ve been in, I truly feel as though these efforts have been well intentioned. And I do believe there is a space for students to understand how to flex their resilient muscles. But, far too often, it doesn’t get to the root of why students (or communities) have to be so damn resilient.

And, in schools, we take a deep look into the root causes of these very real concerns that crop up. They didn’t just arrive out of nowhere. There’s a deeply embedded root to uncover through a process of analysis and discovery. Sometimes it’s glaring. Other times it’s not. But all the time, it’s there. Staring back at you like “I was wondering when you’d find me?” But school is just a microcosm of our societal infatuation with resilience.

Forced Resilience

The harsh reality is this is – there are many systems in our society that perpetuate inequality, discrimination, and harm. From economic systems that prioritize profit over people, to social systems that dismiss certain groups of people, to environmental systems that prioritize exploitation over preservation. Far too often, people are forced to be incredibly resilient just to survive these systems, much less, thrive.

Telling someone to “be resilient” is not a compassionate solution to the roots of these concerns. It can definitely serve as a tool or a strategy to help us get there. But we cannot simply pass it off to individual strength and perseverance to overcome systemic challenges. Largely, it wasn’t individual acts that brought us to this point, it was systems. And we must take a strategic approach to help achieve just, equitable, and sustainable systems for each other.

I know it sounds daunting. It will require hard work, collaboration, and a commitment to confronting difficult truths. And coming together isn’t necessarily something we’ve shown to be very good at, lately. But it’s a moral imperative. It will also require a willingness for each of us to acknowledge the ways in which we may have contributed to these systems, either directly or indirectly. As much as we may think that our own hands are clean, we all got a mess to address.

Call me crazy, but I believe we can do this and end our hyper-reliance on resilience. To achieve these goals, we must recognize the interconnectedness of the challenges we face. And then we must get to work. So how do we go about making this shift? I’m glad you asked…

Root Cause Analysis

One sure-fire way of addressing the negative implications of over reliance on resilience is to challenge the systemic inequalities that cause it. We must be firm, vocal advocates for policies that promote things such as affordable housing, access to healthcare, and equal opportunities in education and the workplace. Yes, in 2023 glaring inequalities still exist in all of these spaces – across race, gender, and socioeconomic status. While some have been more negatively impacted through systemic discrimination, in the end, what affects one, affects all – this is a team game.

We are in this together. By addressing the root causes of the problem, we can help to reduce the need for resilience and make society more just and equitable.

Mental Health

It’s also important for us to embrace and uplift the critical need for mental health awareness and resources. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are often triggered or worsened by the need to constantly show resilience in the face of adversity. We need to ensure folks have access to mental health resources, counseling, and therapy, so they have the support they need to overcome the mental and emotional challenges that can often accompany systemic impediments.

Safety

We must create safe environments and support systems where people can be vulnerable to share their struggles. This can come in many forms, such as community groups, mentorship programs, and professional organizations that provide resources and support. When people have access to these resources and feel supported, they are better equipped to cope with the challenges they face and develop the resilience they need to overcome them.

Reflections

Without a doubt, resilience is an essential and powerful quality to have, but it is not a substitute for systemic change. I encourage us all to think about the systems that shape our lives and the lives of those around us. Look for opportunities to work together to create systems that don’t require an overreliance on resilience. Let’s commit to digging into these roots and creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Weekly With Whitfield – Stories

by Leave a Comment

As humans, we are drawn to stories. We crave the emotional connection, understanding, and inspiration that a good story offers. Sharing our own stories holds the power to provide these benefits and so more. In fact, storytelling can have positive effects on mental health, social connections, and even physical health.

Recognizing the beauty in, and sharing of, our stories is crucial to personal and collective growth. As James Baldwin once said, “You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive or who had ever been alive.” There is a dynamic power in our ability to recognize and share our stories.

Over the past week, I’ve had the chance to listen to a wide range of people’s stories and experiences. The diversity of these tales has been truly fascinating, highlighting the complexity of the human experience. Each story is like a thread in a rich tapestry, weaving together to create a beautiful and intricate pattern of life.

Human Connection

As social beings, humans have an innate desire for connection and belonging. By sharing our stories, we can find common ground and bridge the gaps between individuals from different backgrounds. The power of personal storytelling lies in its ability to create a sense of empathy and understanding, deepening our relationships with others.

Furthermore, when we embrace and celebrate our differences, we can work towards a more unified and collaborative world. Our stories offer a unique perspective and can inspire new ways of thinking, leading to greater innovation and progress.

In today’s increasingly diverse and interconnected world, it is more important than ever to recognize the value of personal storytelling. Our stories have the power to break down barriers, build bridges, and foster a sense of community among all people. Through sharing our experiences and listening to others, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society.

Healing

Sharing our stories of trauma, grief, or loss can be a powerful tool for emotional healing and personal growth. When we open up about our experiences, we allow ourselves to release the emotional pain that we carry inside. Vocalizing our emotions and thoughts can help us process our feelings, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our experiences.

Sharing our stories can also help us feel validated and heard, giving us a sense of comfort and support. Hearing the stories of others can be just as impactful in the healing process, providing a sense of shared experience and understanding. By sharing our vulnerabilities, we create a space for empathy and compassion, and encourage others to be open and honest about their own struggles.

Moreover, the act of sharing our stories can help reduce feelings of isolation and shame. By speaking out about our experiences, we show others that they are not alone in their struggles, and that there is no shame in seeking help or support. Ultimately, sharing our stories can be a transformative experience, helping us heal and grow as individuals, while also fostering deeper connections and understanding within our communities.

Inspiration

When we share our stories, we open up a window into our lives, providing a glimpse of our personal struggles, experiences, and triumphs. These stories have the power to inspire and motivate others, igniting a spark of hope that can lead to positive change. By shining a light on important issues and challenges, we can start important conversations and mobilize efforts towards change.

Additionally, our stories can serve as a source of inspiration for those facing similar challenges. Seeing others overcome adversity can provide a sense of hope and encouragement, showing that success is possible even in the face of adversity. Our stories can also provide valuable insights and lessons learned, helping others navigate their own struggles with greater understanding and resilience.

Power

Our stories are powerful tools that hold the capacity to connect us to others, promote healing and growth, and inspire positive change. These stories serve as a testament to the resilience and diversity of the human experience, holding the potential to create a more compassionate world. 

As we embrace each others’ stories, we begin to break down barriers. And on that foundation we can begin to build bridges, fostering deeper connections and understanding. I want to encourage you –  tell your stories with courage, vulnerability, and authenticity. And listen to the stories of others with empathy, compassion, and an open mind and heart. We’re in this together. I can’t wait to hear your story.

Weekly With Whitfield – Why

by 2 Comments

Quite often I get the opportunity to speak to educators. I love discussing how to create dynamic, engaging learning environments for the kids they serve each day. I’ve had the honor of speaking to district leaders, campus administrators, classroom teachers and support staff, and everyone in between who help create these spaces for our youth. It is truly one of my favorite things to do. It ignites a fire deep within my soul. 

The Palpable Force of Education: The Unique Power of Schools to Transform Lives and Communities

Every time I leave the presence of one of these audiences I’m left feeling a bit better about the state of the world. I’m reminded of the unique power that lies within the walls of our schools each day:

The power of the chance we get each day to help shift the trajectory of student’s lives in positive ways.

The power to create an environment where young people feel seen, heard, valued, and loved. 

The power to draw out the unique genius that lies within each child. 

The power to change communities for the better. 

The power to facilitate learning that fosters critical thinking, inquiry, respectful dialogue, and a growth mindset.

The power to take the most broken and make them feel more whole. 

The force that exists in our schools is palpable. And that force changed the course of my life. It’s why I do what I do. Each time I’m blessed with the opportunity to address educators I try to take a moment to draw back to their why. 

Balancing Realism and Inspiration: The Role of “Remembering Your Why” in Navigating the Challenges of Education

I’ll stop here and say that I’m not a big fan of toxic positivity. Just telling educators to “remember their why” in the face of so much of the nonsense they face without taking meaningful action to address said nonsense, or providing practical tools to combat it, is not helpful. Quite the contrary. But I do believe that there are moments throughout our journey through this multifaceted profession that our ability to press pause and remember our why can be quite helpful in the moment. They sustain us through some of the passing challenges that come with walking through the schoolhouse doors each day.

This week I was reminded of my why in some very subtle ways.

The Importance of Mentors in Education: Reflections on Career Growth and Staying Hyper-Focused on Your Why

I had lunch with one of my amazing mentors, whose served as a district-level administrator in the area for some time. This is the same person who had a hand in encouraging me to pursue a doctorate in educational leadership nearly a decade ago when I was just beginning my administrative career. She saw something in me, then. And now, after all these years, here we are still discussing how on earth we’re going to solve the challenges facing public education. 

It was great to hear her speak of her why that carried her through her career, to retirement, and continued advocacy post-retirement. Ultimately, it was her local public school that changed the course of her life. And that prompted her to dedicate her life to the service of young people. It’s great to have people you can call on to reset your focus. Especially at the speed at which life is coming at us these days. We need people to help us slow down, breathe, consider things that we may not have, otherwise, and remind us that, beyond the noise, lies your why – the reason you care so much about what you do. 

The Power of Personal Connection: Building Relational Capacity with Students and Colleagues

Additionally, sometimes the reminders come directly from those you’ve been called to serve. For me, there is no greater gift than an affirmation from a former student or colleague who, in some way, I may have made the slightest difference. I live in the community that I’ve served for the last two decades and, rarely, does a week pass that I don’t have an encounter with an individual who falls into one of these categories.

It’s really quite amazing. It could be a student that I had in my first 9th grade World Geography class back in 2005 and I’ll still remember their name. That’s always been a critical component to building relational capacity with those I serve. I don’t just want to know everyone’s name by the end of the year or first semester. I want to know them in the first weeks of school. And I put intentional time and energy into that task. And not just knowing their name, but understanding how to pronounce their name; understanding unique things about the person beyond their name.

They May Forget What You Said, But They’ll Never Forget the Way You Made Them Feel

Every so often a meme goes around on social media about educators who’ve made an impact in students’ lives and I’ll have a former student tag me in it. This week, there was one that had a sticky not that read:

“Every Adult Remembers Their Favorite Teacher” 

I felt honored that someone out there thought enough of me. I responded with my gratitude and expressed how proud I was of this particular student. And this was her response:

Similarly, another student chimed in:

Again, I expressed my gratitude for such kind thoughts, let her how honored I was to have been her teacher, and affirmed the light that she shined then, and now, as an adult.

 – Yes, I’m at that age where I’m beginning to see that I could be in a school with children of former students – WOW! – 

As I read these beautiful reflections I paused. I reflected on the thousands of students I’ve had the opportunity to serve over the course of the last two decades. My goal coming into the world of education was to help guide young people through some of the most difficult moments of their life, equipping them with skills, tools, and resources to learn and grow into the best versions of themselves. In a nutshell, that’s what a handful of teachers did for me. And that’s largely why I chose the profession.

Talk about watery eyes as I received those verbal flowers. It’s been years since I’ve crossed paths with these students, but I can remember their light, as well. Unquestionably, the feeling is reciprocated. My life has been so greatly enriched by the students I’ve served through the years. Although I was the “adult” in the space and had my own lived experiences, I learned so much from them. And I’m forever grateful for each of them. 

Nurturing Your Passion: The Importance of Reconnecting with Your Why in Teaching

Teaching is, for me, one of the most noble professions. Educators play such a multifaceted and crucial role in shaping the future of our society. One must not underestimate the pressures that accompany this unique role. The constant demands and weighty responsibilities can easily lead to exhaustion, burnout, and despair. Thus, educators must frequently take the necessary measures to safeguard their mental and emotional health.

In such a scenario, remembering your purpose, the reason that compelled you to pursue this calling, serves as a guiding light. Reflection upon your why enables you to remain attuned to the aspects of the profession that offer contentment and gratification. By doing so, this helps stave off burnout and sustain your drive and passion for teaching throughout your journey.

Beyond these chance encounters, One way I reconnect with my why from time to time is to go through one of my “smile boxes”.  If a student has ever taken the time to write me a kind note, draw me a picture, etc, it’s in one of these boxes. Every so often, when I may be feeling a bit down, I pull out one of these boxes. Each represents a different point along my career journey from teacher to administrator to educational consultant. While I may have opened that box feeling down, it doesn’t take long for those feelings of goodness to wash over me in a wave of positive emotions. If you don’t have a “smilebox”, I’d highly recommend having one. This small action will uplift your spirits and remind you of the difference you make each day. The why shines through crystal clear as you turn the pages.

Still A Ways to Go – But You Got This

By no means do I write this to say that I’m the world’s best educator. That’s a far stretch. I’m far from perfect. But one thing that has always been perfect and pure is my love for young people – my desire to make them feel seen, heard, valued, and loved, my desire to create spaces where they are free to be themselves…where they can learn, grow, and discover opportunities that they may have never known. And in a moment, this week, I was reminded by the people who matter most in this profession – the students.

In the end, it’s important to remember that teaching is a challenging profession. And it’s okay to feel burnt out or overwhelmed at times. It’s natural. And, really, that goes for any profession. However, reconnecting with your why can help you stay motivated and inspired, even during the darkest of days.