Several weeks ago, a dear friend and colleague shared a picture of us from our days teaching in the Mississippi Delta. The photo took my breath away! I stared at it and it brought back so many memories. I really wished that I could have told my 24 year old self to just believe according to Romans 8:28, and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. I remembered how I went to work each day so conflicted; on one hand, I wanted to do my best, but on the other, I really didn’t want to be there. I watched my friends move away to exciting opportunities but I felt as if God had forgotten about me. I attempted to prepare creative lesson plans, not sure and even sometimes doubted if my students were listening. However, there were also great days with my colleagues and we laughed because those same students shared their hearts, made us all smile, and confirmed that they were listening!
Nevertheless, each evening after work, I went home to a great dinner that included fried chicken, collard greens, candied yams, cornbread, and kool aid. I was surrounded by a supportive family but cried myself to sleep because I majored in Mass Communications at Alcorn State University and had dreams of working with Oprah, Barbara Walters, or with Tom “The Fly Jock” Joyner. I honestly didn’t see how I was making a difference or if anything was going to change.
Fast forward over 20 years later, a move to the east coast allowed me to be hired at the U.S. Department of Education. During this time, I applied to several different federal agencies, BET, and various non-profit associations. I didn’t realize that my experience as a teacher would become the most valuable aspect of my resume. Amazingly, teaching those same students would prepare me to assist with crafting and implementing national policy designed to improve the quality of life for low-income, first generation college students participating in the Federal TRIO Programs.
Because of the pandemic, the U.S. Congress passed and the President signed one of the largest pieces of legislation, the CARES Act that provided nearly $14 billion to support postsecondary education students and institutions. This funding provided much needed support to students and institutions directly impacted by the coronavirus. Our office worked directly to move this funding out to the higher education community and I am very blessed to have been a part of this Remarkable federal initiative.
Looking back, I now see how God uses everything! Let’s encourage one another and our young students in our families, churches, and community, to trust God, stay focused, work hard, and make the needed sacrifices, because all things will work together for their good!
You can do this!
Dr. ReShone
I can't help but notice the beautiful pearls, that you wore on every workout session. I now understand why. Pearls represent a person of great rarity and worth. That you are Dr. ReShone. Thank you for sharing and teaching us about "Re-Imagining Contentment." The subject has been tugging at my heart, and I've been resisting. No more. God is in control; I listen as I wait. BTW, in your April 12 post, you mentioned that while you're waiting, in addition to other things, "you will exercise more!" :) I pray all is going well.