During Black History Month, The Hub is spotlighting former students of Dallas ISD in our Legacy of Learning series.
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because, someday in your life, you will have been all of these. ~ George Washington Carver
Tell us about your journey as a Dallas ISD student.
My journey in DISD began at W.A. Blair Elementary School. From there I attended Maynard Holbrook Jackson Vanguard School, Oliver Wendell Holmes Honor Academy, and I graduated from The Skyline High School in 1985!
Who was one of your most influential teachers in Dallas ISD, and why?
There were several, but the educator who poured the most into me and my family was Ms. Martha Jane Lee, while I attended Maynard Jackson. Ms. Lee embodied Black excellence and carried herself as the regal queen she was and encouraged her students to do the same. Ms. Lee was hard on her students but fair. She opened up our world to the possibilities, the opportunities, and encouraged us to DREAM, DO and BE!
Ms. Lee saw potential in me and encouraged me to use my voice for my community (literally and figuratively). She brought African American heroes and sheroes to life during our time with her at Maynard Jackson – the likes of W. E.B. DuBois, Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, Jackie Robinson, Andrew Young, Maynard Jackson, but also John Wiley Price, Ann Williams, and Rev. Zan Wesley Holmes. Ms. Lee ensured that we knew about the accomplishments of African American people – past, present and future.
How did your Dallas ISD education influence who you are today?
From fifth grade on, I was able to attend schools that introduced students to more than books and exams – time in the classroom – thus expanding my world to a plethora of choices for careers. Several of my teachers recognized that the young lady who “talked a lot in class” could “use her powers for good.”
Because of my exposure in Dallas ISD to the world of radio/TV, journalism, politics, and community activism, I chose to work as a radio news reporter and anchor and community advocate. And, for the record, I currently “talk for a living.”
What school activities did you participate in, and how have they impacted your life?
I participated in cheerleading, Student Senate, and band. The friendships I made are friendships I’ve kept, which impacted me greatly, as many of us keep in contact with each other some 30+ years later. We have truly weathered the storms of life and death together. It warms my heart that we celebrate victories together and are there for one another when times are difficult or hard. It still feels like one big family!
Walk us through some of your achievements since graduating and what you’re up to today.
My biggest achievement is my family. We’ve weathered really tough seasons of medical issues, but because of what I was taught, what I learned, and what I gleaned from my time in Dallas ISD schools, I was more prepared to deal with, learn from and advocate for my children who have abilities and disabilities.
From a career perspective, I am doing what I love and often got in trouble for in class – TALKING TO THE MASSES! I am the director of Family Recruitment at CK Family Services, and enjoy talking to people about caring for children as foster parents. There is actually a large number of children in foster care attending Dallas ISD schools.
But, I do have to mention my passion for cooking and meal planning as well (which I learned from my home economics teacher, Eleanor Rogers). I have a bit of a following on Instagram because of it. I love helping busy moms!
What words of wisdom can you offer a Dallas ISD student now walking the school hallways that you once walked?
Try to enjoy your years in school! Build and treasure friendships. Journal the everyday and the extra special. Take lots of pictures. Pour into your fellow classmates and into your community. If you fall down, get back up. Take stock in what educators share with you. Get out of your comfort zone. Failing is part of success. STUDY. It costs NOTHING to be kind.
Visit ckfamilyservices.org to find out more on how you can become a foster parent. Find Smiley on Instagram at @saltpepperbrownsugar for family meal ideas!
