In the early 1980s, when I first stepped into a Houston classroom, the national spotlight shone on schools using corporal punishment after the Supreme Court ruled the practice was exempt from the Constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment,in a case in Florida. The overwhelming atmosphere of fear and anger, coupled with undiagnosed ADHD, made my early education a daunting experience. Seeking solace, I found refuge slipping away from class for extended periods to a reliably empty computer lab, teaching myself programming and laying the foundation for a lifelong passion.

My artistic inclinations led me to art school, where I delved into painting at VCU, reveling in the thrill of creating art for art’s sake led by a desire to study in their renowned program founded by the abstract expressionist painter, Clifford Still. Yet, the digital realm beckoned, and I ventured into the world of computer technology. As the internet unfolded, I foresaw the potential for pursuing my artistic endeavors online, creating a unique intersection of art and technology.

This juncture introduced me to the fast-paced world of web startups and media broadcasting, where my learning thrived in real-world applications. Instead of registering for studio classes, I landed two internships one at an internet design and dial-up provider and the other at a local TV affiliate making local TV ads. By senior year, I declined an offer to teach a digital video production class in exchange for an easy A, choosing instead to leave school and start my own business.

However, a life-changing trip to Miami shifted my focus from pixels to people. While helping to build a facility for a youth program on this habitat-for-humanity-style trip, I discovered the desperate need for positive spaces for kids in impoverished neighborhoods. Moved by this experience, I dedicated six months to running after school and summer programs in “Little Haiti”, attempting to make a difference in the lives of families and children facing unseen challenges. I was inexperienced and after six months, I returned to Virginia to process and build on this new experience.

Returning to Virginia, all of my time was consumed with riding the early wave of constant innovation in website design and on the internet in general. It was an amazing time. My company created one of the early content management systems, and it sold like gangbusters for our clients.

After a few years we moved into a very hip stylish office in downtown Richmond. I loved the rise and feeling of success, but it was new territory. Soon the success brought with it a realization— As the tech boom transformed neighborhoods, I couldn’t ignore the impact on local families. I noticed that as many tech related business were popping up downtown (like mine) families who lived in the area were getting pushed out.

Kids were breaking the windows of business on my block. So I decided to invite the neighborhood kids into our studio one day and showed them how to take apart and put back together one of our old computers. They told me about the local YMCA community center where they sometimes get to use computers. I contacted the YMCA and connected my business to their computer lab and began teaching hardware and web design for kids. This led to partnerships with local organizations like the YMCA, where I dedicated company resources to support computer literacy programs.

Connecting with local community centers and teaching hardware and web design to children, I found a purpose that for me, exceeded the great feelings of excitement and success in the emerging internet industry. The turning point came when my business partners, recognizing my teaching passion, urged me to become a teacher. Initially resistant, I eventually embraced the idea, selling my business and pursuing a Master’s degree in education at JMU.

My journey into education reform was born out of a need to address the inadequacies I witnessed in the American school system. From a fearful Houston classroom to the vibrant graduate program experience of JMU, my journey is a testament to the transformative power of education. It’s not just a personal odyssey; it’s a call to action, an invitation to join a movement for change. As you walk with me, envision a world where unconventional paths lead to unforeseen impact. Education is not just a system; it’s a tapestry woven by individuals committed to nurturing minds and uplifting communities. It’s about rediscovering the joy in learning, embracing the unexpected, and finding inspiration in the most unusual places.

As readers, you’re not mere spectators but fellow architects of change. Let this journey resonate with your own experiences, ignite the passion within, and empower you to make a difference. Become the advocate your community needs, spark conversations about reform, and weave your narrative into the larger tapestry of educational change. By connecting to the heart of your community, you, too, can be the catalyst for transformative impact. Join the movement, defy the ordinary, and let the pixels of your unique story contribute to the grand canvas of education reform. Together, we can build a future where every student thrives, every teacher is empowered, and every community becomes a beacon of inspiration.