The St. Johns County Associate Superintendent, Kyle Dresback, describes education as “hope,” and I completely agree.

I embraced my identity as an educator for that reason precisely. I truly believe education is hope and it can transform students’ and families’ lives. As a young educator, I was driven to do more than the status quo. I was challenged by a professor in my master’s program to always think about how I could take my ideas and apply them to everyday life — creating action steps as if you were intending on enacting them.

I carried this challenge with me as an educator and as an individual. Over the years, I wrote, researched and planned many social actions and proposals. Little by little, I found ways to take my ideas to the community, and local organizations. I began tapping on the door of fulfillment of those ideas.

When I learned about the implementation of a Community Partnership School at The Webster School, I knew I was approaching another rung on my leadership development ladder. I am now approaching nine months of service as the school’s director and it has been an amazing experience.

The Webster School is literally my community’s school. I grew up a block away, played on the playgrounds after hours, and served as a safety patrol. As a student at Webster, I received nurturing. I became a mentee and I became a mentor. I felt an immersion between the community and the school. Now I am blessed to assist in that experience for other children and families.

The Webster School helped shape me into the leader I am today.

A mantra that I lived by is that “We are blessed to be a blessing”. As the Community Partnership School Director, I serve in a capacity where I am able to live out that mantra as well as give the community a taste of my experience at The Webster School (my community school). I look forward to the years ahead and empowering more children from my neighborhood to realize their full potential.

WE DO GOOD.