Ladies Learning to Lead (L3)

#throwbackthursday Throughout my career search, I often stop and reflect on my values to ensure alignment in my next role. This reflection process requires me to think back on times when my values were highlighted and exemplified. One of my key values is service. Giving back to the community helps create access to opportunity through exposure and mentorship. Relationship building is a positive by-product of service. Thinking back to my junior year in undergrad, I had the chance to make an impact on a demographic who I deeply identified with. Although not affiliated with any on-campus organizations, I made it my mission to seek out service opportunities throughout my collegiate experience. One of these opportunities was as a mentor for Ladies Learning to Lead (L3), a mentorship program that hosted a two-day overnight programming on FSU's campus. The program catered to middle school-aged girls, one of whom I am still in contact with today. One of my mentees is currently attending Radford University, studying Criminal Justice. She mentioned to me once that L3 inspired her to continue her education and become a first-generation college graduate in her family. This reminds me that it's never too early to make a positive impact in a student's life, it was in middle school that I was awarded a Take Stock in Children of Florida (State HQ) scholarship, which drastically altered my life's trajectory. And it was in her middle school years, when Danielle met me, a 20-something college student who looked like her and inspired her towards academic excellence. Developing college-ready leaders begins way before high school. It begins even as early as 6th grade with positive academic experiences and exposure to college-going culture. It begins with relationship-building and confidence-boosting in a school setting, and I was fortunate enough to have teachers and staff who supported my growth and instilled an intrinsic sense of academic excellence since my primary years. #blackeducators #teachingexcellence #impactthatmatters