Discover the Power of Passionate Work and Its Impact on Personal Growth, Happiness, and Community Building
Years ago, I stood in front of a classroom filled with eager faces, one of which belonged to a student who seemed to shine brighter than the rest. He was talented, driven, and had a fire in his eyes that was impossible to ignore. But as a young and inexperienced teacher, I couldn’t yet see the full scope of his potential.
That student—whose greatness I would one day witness unfold on a global stage—was LeBron James. I wish I could say I saw his greatness right away, but perhaps that’s a lesson for all of us: greatness often starts quietly, and our role as educators and community members is to nurture it, to create the space for it to grow.
“Teaching with passion means investing in the future of each student, believing in their dreams even before they do." - DM Whitfield
That belief has shaped my career. For several years, I worked at Simon Middle School, where I was fortunate to collaborate with an incredible principal and lifelong friend, Joy. Together, we faced challenges head-on, working tirelessly to bring the community together. One of our most successful initiatives was the Family Fun Fest. We served dinner, gave away turkeys, partnered with community organizations, and celebrated our students. The first year, we had more than 1,000 attendees. One of them was my student, Carter.
Fast forward to last year, and I had the pleasure of sitting on a panel with Carter, who now serves as the Assistant Vice President of Development at a major university. He oversees a full staff and a multi-million-dollar budget. The Family Fun Fest didn’t just build school spirit; it transformed the culture of our school and the lives of our students. It caught the attention of the Knight Foundation, and we were awarded a $1 million grant. With those funds, we expanded programs, supported students, and strengthened our ties with the community. That experience taught me the power of partnership and reaffirmed my belief that when a community comes together, extraordinary things can happen.
Later, I became the founding school counselor at the STEM School. It was a brand-new venture, but we dreamed big. In our first year, we earned national recognition. Today, many of the students from that school are thriving. Some hold PhDs, others have master’s degrees, own businesses, or are leading remarkable lives. One student who stands out is Ellen. She attended prominent out-of-state universities for her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Now, she’s back in her hometown, working on issues related to abandoned, blighted, and tax-delinquent properties. Another student, Johnson, stayed local, attended universities in the city, and became my colleague as a climate coach. These young people remind me daily of the power of education and the ripple effect it creates in the world.
Speaking of that ripple effect, I want to share my experience leading the Student Voice program, a project that’s been close to my heart. The program is rooted in collaboration, a true partnership between schools and the community. It started almost ten years ago with just eight students, and it has since expanded to serve all high school students in the district.
One of the key opportunities for students was a grant that allowed them to attend the Roundtable Luncheon. For many, this was their first chance to learn from and connect with leaders in our region. During one event, I noticed a large student sitting with his plate untouched. When I asked if he wanted more food, he replied, “Yes, I’m just waiting for everyone else to finish before I get another plate.” I smiled and told him, “Honey, it’s a buffet! You can go up as many times as you want. There are hundreds of people here—you don’t have to wait for everyone to finish.”
In another instance, a group of young ladies attended the luncheon with Dr. Taniya Matthews, Executive Director of the International African American Museum. Dr. Matthews was amazing, taking pictures with the girls, sharing her personal experiences, and asking about their future aspirations. I am confident her presence left a lasting, positive impression on them.
Additionally, students received leadership development training that laid the foundation for the Youth Coalition, where they now work directly with school leadership to address the issues that matter most to them. Their efforts have already had tangible results—they’ve advocated for fairness in student discipline policies and, of course, worked on improving school lunches (some things never change!).
The Student Voice program is a testament to what happens when a community believes in its youth. By providing opportunities for leadership and collaboration, we’re not just addressing immediate concerns—we’re cultivating a generation of thoughtful, engaged, and empowered citizens.
This program reinforces a truth I’ve seen throughout my career: when students are given a platform to speak and adults are willing to listen, amazing things happen. Take DJ, for example. When I met her as a freshman, she had a bright, energetic personality. Her school counselor recommended she serve as a Student Board member, a big responsibility. At first, I hesitated because of a couple of incidents in middle school that involved fights. But DJ promised she wouldn’t get into any more fights. I leaned into my intuition and said yes. She kept her word and graduated high school with honors. Now, she’s in her third year of college, studying biology with the goal of attending med school.
The Happiness of Doing What You Love
Throughout these experiences, I’ve come to realize that doing work you are truly passionate about brings happiness and good thoughts. Here are three reasons why:
It Feels Meaningful: When you’re deeply connected to your work, it’s not just about tasks or deadlines. You’re creating something impactful that aligns with your values, which makes every step feel worthwhile.
It Builds Lasting Connections: Passionate work often involves collaboration with others who share your goals. These connections can be both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling as you see the growth and success of those you work with.
It Fuels Personal Growth: Working in an area you’re passionate about pushes you to learn, adapt, and improve constantly. This not only benefits your career but also contributes to your personal development and happiness.
When you do what you love, it’s not just about the end results—it’s about the joy of the journey. And as I’ve witnessed firsthand, that joy can change lives, foster communities, and inspire future generations.
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