What inspired you to get into the education side of technology?
 2
00:00:03.703 --> 00:00:08.274 I'll be honest I, I actually didn't set out to work in Ed-tech.
 3
00:00:08.541 --> 00:00:12.245 I had worked in commercial products.
 4
00:00:12.245 --> 00:00:15.615 I had worked on consumer products, wearable devices.
 5
00:00:15.782 --> 00:00:19.419 So going to a new vertical or as we call it,
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00:00:19.419 --> 00:00:22.856 or a new segment was just sort of how I had navigated my career.
 7
00:00:22.856 --> 00:00:27.427 But now that I've landed in education, I really can't imagine leaving it.
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00:00:27.427 --> 00:00:30.930 Working in education is just such a privilege
 9
00:00:31.131 --> 00:00:35.135 to create things that can impact the next generation.
 10
00:00:35.168 --> 00:00:40.168 And so when you bring values and you bring an inspiring North Star
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00:00:40.907 --> 00:00:44.511 into that job and education, and then you actually get to see
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00:00:44.511 --> 00:00:47.881 the positive impact that you're having in the lives of young people.
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00:00:47.881 --> 00:00:49.749 Like, I don't know where you would go from here
 14
00:00:49.749 --> 00:00:53.520 in terms of bringing your heart into the job.
 

2025 SXSW Conference
Interviewed in Austin, TX but works in Seattle, WA USA.

Each day is different—some mornings I’m deep in game design or planning new features, and other times I’m building partnerships or launching esports pilots with schools. I get to lead a team that brings learning to life through Minecraft, helping students stay curious and joyful. In my role, I’m surrounded by kind, heart-forward people who share a mission to make a real impact.

Head of Minecraft Education

You don't belong here. You're not smart enough and you haven't done enough.

Fulfillment

Passion

How And Why I Work In Education Technology

What would you say is like one of the, the greatest part
 2
00:00:04.304 --> 00:00:07.674 or greatest, aspects of working with youth besides,
 3
00:00:07.674 --> 00:00:11.611 you know, maybe watching them kind of succeed in their own way.
 4
00:00:11.878 --> 00:00:16.616 Like, is there, one unique part about that that you would like to share?
 5
00:00:16.783 --> 00:00:19.786 You know, when it comes to working with young people,
 6
00:00:19.919 --> 00:00:22.622 I think the thing that is special to me
 7
00:00:22.622 --> 00:00:26.960 is there is, I believe, a solution
 8
00:00:26.960 --> 00:00:30.597 to any problem that we might have
 9
00:00:31.197 --> 00:00:34.701 that's in the mind of a young person, right?
 10
00:00:34.701 --> 00:00:39.105 Somewhere in there is a new idea, a new product,
 11
00:00:39.239 --> 00:00:43.977 a new business, a new organization, a new way of looking at the world.
 12
00:00:44.377 --> 00:00:49.377 And, you know, someone once said you can't take old keys to unlock new doors.
 13
00:00:50.850 --> 00:00:51.518 Right.
 14
00:00:51.518 --> 00:00:54.654 And so the thing that I love about working with young people
 15
00:00:54.654 --> 00:00:57.657 is it feels like I'm watching them create new keys.
 16
00:00:57.857 --> 00:01:00.527 And giving them the sense that, they're important.
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00:01:01.995 --> 00:01:03.863 That they have value.
 18
00:01:03.863 --> 00:01:07.700 That their ideas have value, that their dreams are valuable,
 19
00:01:08.334 --> 00:01:11.571 that they don't have to be limited by the things that they see
 20
00:01:11.571 --> 00:01:15.008 and that there is wisdom for them to tap into.
 21
00:01:15.041 --> 00:01:16.876 There's ancient wisdom.
 22
00:01:16.876 --> 00:01:18.478 I don't consider myself ancient wisdom.
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00:01:18.478 --> 00:01:20.480 Maybe some of the young people that I work with do.
 24
00:01:20.480 --> 00:01:22.715 There's even wisdom even older than me.
 25
00:01:22.715 --> 00:01:24.617 And this is such an important part of our work
 26
00:01:24.617 --> 00:01:28.021 at the Obama Foundation, because we end up training a lot of young leaders.
 27
00:01:28.488 --> 00:01:31.291 You can build and innovate,
 28
00:01:31.291 --> 00:01:35.862 but you don't have to learn the lessons that people learned
 29
00:01:36.396 --> 00:01:38.998 20 years ago, 60 years ago.
 30
00:01:38.998 --> 00:01:40.700 You know, a millennia ago.
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00:01:40.700 --> 00:01:43.903 You can start from where we have ended.
 32
00:01:44.637 --> 00:01:47.907 And so putting young leaders in a position,
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00:01:47.907 --> 00:01:51.277 or young people in a position where we can help give them guidance
 34
00:01:51.411 --> 00:01:56.116 and then give them the tools to be able to take things forward,
 35
00:01:56.282 --> 00:02:01.054 and create the world that I hope I stick around long enough to live in.
 36
00:02:01.187 --> 00:02:04.124 It's a very inspiring way to live.
 37
00:02:04.124 --> 00:02:07.127 And it, it just is this sort of renewal.
 38
00:02:07.327 --> 00:02:09.963 Right. A young person, is this ever
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00:02:11.097 --> 00:02:12.932 creating source of renewal.
 40
00:02:12.932 --> 00:02:14.901 There's always going to be young people around.
 41
00:02:14.901 --> 00:02:19.072 And so working with them, beyond the impact it's good for me.
 42
00:02:19.105 --> 00:02:20.940 It's good for my life. It makes my life better.
 

2025 SXSW Conference
Interviewed in Austin, TX but works in Chicago, IL USA.
advanced-degree

Work hard at learning the basics of whatever it is you want to do. If you're really good at the basics, then people can rely on you, which can help open a lot of doors.

I lead external affairs at the Obama Foundation, where I build partnerships, connect with stakeholders, and support young leaders through My Brother’s Keeper. My days are filled with storytelling, guiding youth to lead change, and helping shape a future that honors those who came before us. Every day, I get to work alongside people creating the world I hope to grow old in.

Executive Vice President for External Affairs

Inspiration

Why I Love Working With Young People

How did you figure out that your definition of success
 2
00:00:05.338 --> 00:00:08.541 was related to your need to serve?
 3
00:00:09.175 --> 00:00:13.313 For some people, it's how many followers they get on social media.
 4
00:00:13.513 --> 00:00:15.648 For other people, it's how much money they have.
 5
00:00:15.648 --> 00:00:17.951 You have to define what that is.
 6
00:00:17.951 --> 00:00:19.586 For me, it's always been impact.
 7
00:00:19.586 --> 00:00:22.222 From the time that I saw how my mother was.
 8
00:00:22.222 --> 00:00:25.225 In terms of whatever it is that she had, she was willing to share it.
 9
00:00:25.625 --> 00:00:29.863 And I goes back to that Martin Luther King quote that everyone can be great
 10
00:00:29.863 --> 00:00:31.031 because everyone can serve.
 11
00:00:31.031 --> 00:00:34.034 And don't think that it has to be at some massive scale.
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00:00:34.334 --> 00:00:37.337 If you walk through a park walking out of this van
 13
00:00:37.437 --> 00:00:39.706 and you see a piece of paper in the park
 14
00:00:39.706 --> 00:00:42.275 and you pick it up, you're making an impact.
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00:00:42.275 --> 00:00:45.211 If you smile at somebody on the bus that looks lonely,
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00:00:46.179 --> 00:00:47.881 you're making an impact.
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00:00:47.881 --> 00:00:50.617 And if you help someone that just needs
 18
00:00:50.617 --> 00:00:53.653 help crossing the street, you're making an impact.
 19
00:00:53.953 --> 00:00:57.157 So just know that it comes in a lot of different shapes and sizes
 20
00:00:57.157 --> 00:00:59.826 and all of that is being helped is being felt.
 21
00:00:59.826 --> 00:01:03.997 What's the last piece of advice that you would give your younger self
 22
00:01:03.997 --> 00:01:06.433 or someone who was 17 years old?
 23
00:01:06.433 --> 00:01:06.833 So you're
 24
00:01:06.833 --> 00:01:10.203 not supposed to decide at 17 years old, what you're going to do for your life.
 25
00:01:10.603 --> 00:01:11.371 Yeah.
 26
00:01:11.371 --> 00:01:16.371 You want to be able to go into different directions, you know, be able to be open
 27
00:01:16.443 --> 00:01:21.347 minded with where you can feel that impact and make that impact, But be authentic.
 28
00:01:21.448 --> 00:01:23.383 Be authentic in your values.
 29
00:01:23.383 --> 00:01:25.385 Be authentic in how you present yourself.
 30
00:01:25.385 --> 00:01:27.720 Be authentic in how you receive.
 31
00:01:27.720 --> 00:01:30.924 Be authentic with what you put out into the universe.
 32
00:01:31.124 --> 00:01:33.126 And there's a lot of value in you.
 33
00:01:34.727 --> 00:01:35.595 Radiate that.
 

2025 SXSW Conference
Interviewed in Austin, TX but works in Washington, DC USA.

You aren't supposed to have your career path figured out at 17 years old, but if you have an idea of what you're interested in and what drives you, then follow that. I realized early on that I was driven by service to my community. From there, I was willing to take chances and find inspiration anywhere. Try anything. If someone wants you in a room, show up and be loud. Try out all avenues and stay connected to that core value driving you.

I get to dream big and make it real—whether it’s developing a Latino-themed Minecraft game or teaching kids to code. I work closely with students, teachers, and parents, building programs that blend creativity and purpose. Every day brings a new challenge, but it’s all about impact—amplifying voices, creating community, and empowering young people to lead. I’m fueled by inspiration and driven by service.

President & CEO

You need to decide your career path before going to college.

Success

My Success Comes From The Impact I Make

How do you navigate that?
 2
00:00:01.634 --> 00:00:05.505 You know, realizing, okay, this is my purpose, I don't care
 3
00:00:05.505 --> 00:00:10.310 who's leading the nation, this is what I want to do to help America.
 4
00:00:10.543 --> 00:00:13.680 Look, positions come and go, but purpose lasts forever.
 5
00:00:13.747 --> 00:00:16.116 Barack Obama was president for eight years.
 6
00:00:16.116 --> 00:00:20.520 He said that the most important thing that he's going to do
 7
00:00:20.520 --> 00:00:23.823 is probably in the next post eight years of his life.
 8
00:00:23.890 --> 00:00:25.959 And so he built the Obama Foundation,
 9
00:00:25.959 --> 00:00:28.261 where it's continuing the work of My Brother's
 10
00:00:28.261 --> 00:00:30.730 Keeper and expanding opportunity for boys and young men of color.
 11
00:00:30.730 --> 00:00:33.800 It's continuing the work to let girls learn across the country
 12
00:00:33.800 --> 00:00:36.069 through the Girls Opportunity Alliance and Mrs. Obama.
 13
00:00:36.069 --> 00:00:39.272 It's helping to create a million more Barack and Michelle Obama's
 14
00:00:39.272 --> 00:00:42.308 through leadership programs in the United States, Europe and Asia.
 15
00:00:42.308 --> 00:00:45.678 And so your position changes, but your your purpose doesn't.
 16
00:00:45.745 --> 00:00:48.915 I've been in government, I've been in the private sector.
 17
00:00:48.915 --> 00:00:50.383 I've been in nonprofit.
 18
00:00:50.383 --> 00:00:52.185 My purpose has stayed the same.
 19
00:00:52.185 --> 00:00:54.754 And I think that's something that we all have to keep in mind
 20
00:00:54.754 --> 00:00:57.557 because otherwise you'll fall apart when your position changes.
 21
00:00:57.557 --> 00:00:59.859 Oh lord, I'm not president of the student body anymore.
 22
00:00:59.859 --> 00:01:01.227 Oh lord, I lost that election.
 23
00:01:01.227 --> 00:01:03.997 Instead of thinking, You know what? That happened for a reason.
 24
00:01:03.997 --> 00:01:04.998 I'm going to take what I learned.
 25
00:01:04.998 --> 00:01:05.832 I'm going to take the wins, I'm
 26
00:01:05.832 --> 00:01:07.434 going to take the losses, and I'm going to move it
 27
00:01:07.434 --> 00:01:10.236 into another position to advance my my purpose.
 

My path worked out for me but my original goal was to be a journalist. I did a lot of internships and part-time jobs, and learned that I loved working on Capitol Hill and with nonprofits. The most important thing is to have a clear north star of how you want to leave the world a better place. Then get the education, skills, and training you need to achieve your goals. You also have to be willing to course correct, try new things, and always be open to education in formal and informal settings.

I lost a brother to gun violence, which has helped propel my mission to help young Black men. I ended up leading My Brother's Keeper for the Obama administration, where I helped to build safe and supportive communities for boys young men of color.

The best part of my job is spending time with our members, volunteers, grantees, partners, and alumni. In my visits, I often join with Members of Congress to celebrate new investments and to learn what’s working, what’s not, and how we can improve. The rest of my time is spent working with our staff to develop and implement strategic plans, ensuring we are good stewards of taxpayers resources, monitoring our financial and operational reform, forming new partnerships, and reporting on progress.

The Importance Of Purpose

I'm just curious like, what's the most difficult part of seeing a client these days?
 2
00:00:03.203 --> 00:00:04.671 The trauma of the experience.
 3
00:00:04.671 --> 00:00:08.708 A good maybe 5 or 10 of my clients have specific gun violence.
 4
00:00:08.808 --> 00:00:11.811 So when you hear that stuff, I've learned how to grow in empathy,
 5
00:00:12.379 --> 00:00:15.548 but I've also learned how to not take it home with me.
 6
00:00:15.648 --> 00:00:16.950 You never know what someone needs,
 7
00:00:16.950 --> 00:00:21.950 so me being a client centered or person centered therapist to a certain extent,
 8
00:00:22.288 --> 00:00:25.592 but also I'm able to confront them to make sure that they pull out
 9
00:00:25.925 --> 00:00:28.361 whatever it is that needs to be pulled out.
 10
00:00:28.361 --> 00:00:29.696 But make sure they're honest and vulnerable
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00:00:29.696 --> 00:00:32.065 because I can't help you unless you're honest with me.
 12
00:00:32.065 --> 00:00:32.632 Yeah.
 13
00:00:32.632 --> 00:00:34.334 So learning how to be relatable.
 14
00:00:34.334 --> 00:00:36.936 I'm not your typical therapist. I don't look like your typical therapist.
 15
00:00:36.936 --> 00:00:40.807 So clients say I create a safe space for them to talk. Even if they have
 16
00:00:40.807 --> 00:00:42.942 a really good relationship with their parents or their friends.
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00:00:42.942 --> 00:00:44.677 There's a certain thing that I don't want to tell them,
 18
00:00:44.677 --> 00:00:48.314 because their view of me might change based off of them,
 19
00:00:48.448 --> 00:00:51.317 or they may view a past version of you and they're stuck there
 20
00:00:51.317 --> 00:00:54.320 and not realize that you're growing and changing right before their eyes.
 21
00:00:54.521 --> 00:00:57.724 So being that person for them kind of helps me put in perspective,
 22
00:00:57.724 --> 00:01:01.027 like, I'm blessed to be able to do what I do, but I'm also able
 23
00:01:01.027 --> 00:01:05.465 to learn so many different ways to help many different people on a daily basis.
 24
00:01:05.498 --> 00:01:07.133 Because you never know who's going to walk in or what
 25
00:01:07.133 --> 00:01:09.502 they're going to walk in with, and I got to be prepared.
 

2024 BMHE Roadtrip
first-in-family
advanced-degree
career-change

I recommend pursuing an undergraduate degree in psychology. If possible, try to network with more licensed professionals to better know what to expect instead of just relying on an academic institution. Counseling is a very complex field and there are many different paths to take, so do your research and choose what's best for you.

I started my mental health journey in 2016. I was supporting my wife through postpartum depression. I was working two jobs, wasn't aligned with my passion, and was having panic attacks at work. I decided it was time to get help and talk to someone.

As a licensed therapist, I provide psychotherapy for clients in-person and via Telehealth. Every day, I create a safe space where young Black men can open up, process emotions, and break free from what’s holding them back. Using cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy, I help my clients uncover the root causes of their struggles and build a mindset for growth. No two sessions are the same—my job is to listen, challenge, and guide people toward healing and self-discovery​.

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Determination & Hard Work

The Most Difficult Part Of Being A Therapist

I'm curious about like, you know, what about this work feeds you?
 2
00:00:03.403 --> 00:00:07.007 What is it that you know, continues to make you want to go in, even through
 3
00:00:07.007 --> 00:00:11.845 the exhausting things, even having to hold, people's pain on the day to day?
 4
00:00:11.845 --> 00:00:14.180 Like, what is it that fuels you about the work?
 5
00:00:14.180 --> 00:00:16.483 I look at this as my calling.
 6
00:00:16.483 --> 00:00:17.984 So it's not just a job for me.
 7
00:00:17.984 --> 00:00:22.522 So I submit to the mosiah in certain sessions when I say a quick
 8
00:00:22.522 --> 00:00:24.457 prayer, like, give me the wisdom to answer this question.
 9
00:00:24.457 --> 00:00:28.161 Give me the wisdom to counsel this person. So I'm able to tap into that
 10
00:00:28.528 --> 00:00:30.964 when I know it's not just me, because you're not going to be familiar
 11
00:00:30.964 --> 00:00:33.833 with every circumstance or whatever situation that comes through.
 12
00:00:33.833 --> 00:00:35.535 But then also the beautiful side of the things is
 13
00:00:35.535 --> 00:00:38.605 when you see someone come in one way and they leave better,
 14
00:00:38.638 --> 00:00:39.839 they leave more relaxed.
 15
00:00:39.839 --> 00:00:42.442 I actually had a client this past week.
 16
00:00:42.442 --> 00:00:44.010 They cried for 35 minutes.
 17
00:00:44.010 --> 00:00:45.578 And you learn that
 18
00:00:45.578 --> 00:00:47.080 sometimes they just need to get it out.
 19
00:00:47.080 --> 00:00:48.381 Like silence is okay.
 20
00:00:48.381 --> 00:00:50.116 You don't gotta always talk to them.
 21
00:00:50.116 --> 00:00:52.252 You don't gotta always ask them a question.
 22
00:00:52.252 --> 00:00:54.320 And you never know what they need that day.
 23
00:00:54.320 --> 00:00:55.955 Because I joke with my clients, I'm like alright
 24
00:00:55.955 --> 00:00:57.190 bro we got one hour.
 25
00:00:57.190 --> 00:00:59.592 You got to live your life for 167 hours
 26
00:00:59.592 --> 00:01:01.194 until the next time we meet again.
 27
00:01:01.194 --> 00:01:03.830 I can't be the only thing that gets you through.
 28
00:01:03.830 --> 00:01:07.901 So being able to empower people by teaching them skills
 29
00:01:07.901 --> 00:01:09.469 that help them live their life.
 30
00:01:09.469 --> 00:01:11.771 So you almost become not just a support system,
 31
00:01:11.771 --> 00:01:14.841 but you also become the person that's pushing them.
 32
00:01:14.841 --> 00:01:17.877 So when you do that, it's gratifying because you can see people
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00:01:17.877 --> 00:01:19.312 come in one way and leave another way.
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00:01:19.312 --> 00:01:22.415 You look up six months, you do assessments, their scores go down.
 35
00:01:22.415 --> 00:01:25.118 You're like, wow, so cool. And it's cool when you had that.
 36
00:01:25.118 --> 00:01:26.219 But then you also on the flip side,
 37
00:01:26.219 --> 00:01:29.889 you have people who regress and that hurts because sometimes you'll blame yourself.
 38
00:01:30.056 --> 00:01:31.591 You're not going to be able to help everyone.
 39
00:01:31.591 --> 00:01:33.126 "I want to save you, like, just listen."
 40
00:01:33.126 --> 00:01:36.262 And that's not our job to save them. I'm here to come alongside of you, help
 41
00:01:36.262 --> 00:01:39.299 you get unstuck, maybe give you whatever I can give you to help you.
 42
00:01:39.632 --> 00:01:42.035 You know, if you're just pulling on them emotionally.
 43
00:01:42.035 --> 00:01:44.737 But you never teach them anything and pouring into them,
 44
00:01:44.737 --> 00:01:47.574 they're not going to remember anything they said in that 50 minute session,
 45
00:01:47.574 --> 00:01:49.909 and they're going to leave. And just it is what it is.
 46
00:01:49.909 --> 00:01:51.544 So when you learn how to connect with people
 47
00:01:51.544 --> 00:01:56.249 and you say things that help them to remember, that's how you impact them.
 

Creating Impact As A Therapist

How was that transition to like, this small business?
 2
00:00:04.504 --> 00:00:08.408 The benefit of small business is often you see the impact of your work even more
 3
00:00:08.408 --> 00:00:10.176 so, I think there's a different feeling
 4
00:00:10.176 --> 00:00:11.644 than when you go to a corporate environment
 5
00:00:11.644 --> 00:00:15.215 where you can be lost a little bit in the shuffle, but a lot still gets done.
 6
00:00:15.482 --> 00:00:17.584 But I didn't touch any of that stuff.
 7
00:00:17.584 --> 00:00:18.251 In small business,
 8
00:00:18.251 --> 00:00:20.754 there's not always the same standards or processes.
 9
00:00:20.754 --> 00:00:21.788 In the innovation space,
 10
00:00:21.788 --> 00:00:24.824 that's where we've achieved a lot of the what we call the bleeding edge technology.
 11
00:00:24.891 --> 00:00:26.393 We were setting our own standards.
 12
00:00:26.393 --> 00:00:27.994 Could we have been profitable with a machine
 13
00:00:27.994 --> 00:00:30.330 that was not as complex, didn't do as much good?
 14
00:00:30.330 --> 00:00:34.167 Yeah, but what we knew was for us to achieve some of our bigger, hairier,
 15
00:00:34.300 --> 00:00:37.670 meaner, scarier goals, we needed to build something that was more capable.
 16
00:00:37.670 --> 00:00:40.006 And that's when we said, we're not going to just build an RC car.
 17
00:00:40.006 --> 00:00:41.408 We're building robots.
 18
00:00:41.408 --> 00:00:44.911 We are building self-driving, autonomous robots with lidar systems
 19
00:00:44.911 --> 00:00:48.348 and GPS systems and detection systems and cameras systems.
 20
00:00:48.481 --> 00:00:52.218 We hear a lot about like, concerns that automation is going to be taking people's jobs
 21
00:00:52.218 --> 00:00:52.819 and whatnot.
 22
00:00:52.819 --> 00:00:55.455 We went down after one of the major hurricanes in Florida.
 23
00:00:55.455 --> 00:00:56.689 It was an F5.
 24
00:00:56.689 --> 00:00:59.125 So the damage was unbelievable.
 25
00:00:59.125 --> 00:01:01.694 We weren't taking jobs. they were putting us in places that
 26
00:01:01.694 --> 00:01:03.263 were so dangerous.
 27
00:01:03.263 --> 00:01:04.697 We were in a water zone.
 28
00:01:04.798 --> 00:01:06.733 We found a car, we found a refrigerator.
 29
00:01:06.733 --> 00:01:08.768 This hurricane really impacted people.
 30
00:01:08.768 --> 00:01:10.403 And then we started looking at a break wall.
 31
00:01:10.403 --> 00:01:12.605 And once we saw that, that break wall was broken.
 32
00:01:12.605 --> 00:01:13.907 Nobody's allowed in that water.
 33
00:01:13.907 --> 00:01:16.910 But the only way you find out that that break wall was damaged
 34
00:01:17.143 --> 00:01:18.244 was to go look at it. It's like,
 35
00:01:19.245 --> 00:01:21.714 if we weren't here, there would have been some poor person
 36
00:01:21.714 --> 00:01:24.884 in a boat driving up to that break wall with a camera in their hand.
 37
00:01:25.051 --> 00:01:28.221 And if that wall had gone, it'll take out the entire Marina with it.
 

I start by organizing the production team for goals in the morning. Then, I'll work on design, quality, and inventory items throughout the day. I wrap up the end of the day by working on future focused items, from employee growth to new customers.

Chief Technology Officer

Values

Benefits Of Working In Small Business

How and when did you realize you found your purpose?
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00:00:04.070 --> 00:00:07.073 And what would you recommend for us and our pursuits?
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00:00:07.273 --> 00:00:09.909 My favorite part of the job, and this is why I say it's
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00:00:09.909 --> 00:00:13.146 my life's purpose, is we'll have a month.
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00:00:13.146 --> 00:00:14.447 They're learning HTML.
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00:00:14.447 --> 00:00:16.316 They're freaking out every day.
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00:00:16.316 --> 00:00:19.419 And I hear, I got it, I got it, Miss Ruby.
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00:00:19.652 --> 00:00:21.554 And I'm just like, you're a coder!
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00:00:21.554 --> 00:00:25.091 All my kids are, you know, I call my girls like, you got it.
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00:00:25.258 --> 00:00:28.828 And then they feel good, and then you start seeing them, help each other out.
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00:00:28.828 --> 00:00:30.797 And then a new lesson comes in.
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00:00:30.797 --> 00:00:32.399 Here comes CSS.
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00:00:32.399 --> 00:00:33.533 I can't do it.
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00:00:33.533 --> 00:00:36.436 I don't know. You just did it last week.
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00:00:36.436 --> 00:00:39.305 You just told me what you're going to do when you get out.
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00:00:39.305 --> 00:00:41.474 I can't do it. All right, well, we got this.
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00:00:41.474 --> 00:00:42.709 We're going to keep moving.
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00:00:42.709 --> 00:00:43.810 But then when JavaScript comes,
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00:00:43.810 --> 00:00:46.179 their whole imposter syndrome falls like a ton of bricks.
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00:00:46.179 --> 00:00:50.116 And it's just like, okay, we're going to do some more self-reflection stuff.
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00:00:50.350 --> 00:00:54.120 I want you to focus on that, but I want you to focus on why you keep saying
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00:00:54.287 --> 00:00:55.155 you can't do it.
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00:00:55.155 --> 00:00:59.826 And I know that I'm one out of 100 people that probably told them they can.
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00:00:59.893 --> 00:01:00.894 That's the other part.
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00:01:00.894 --> 00:01:02.729 It's your imposter syndrome within yourself.
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00:01:02.729 --> 00:01:05.498 But then you're hearing your dad say you can't do it.
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00:01:05.498 --> 00:01:07.801 You can't do it. Your spouse says you can't do it.
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00:01:07.801 --> 00:01:10.070 Your kids are mad at you because you're locked up again.
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00:01:10.070 --> 00:01:11.638 So they're constantly hearing that.
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00:01:11.638 --> 00:01:14.240 And I get it. I'm crying with you. So it's, it's
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00:01:15.208 --> 00:01:16.176 every day.
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00:01:16.176 --> 00:01:18.578 I wish that I could say that it does get better.
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00:01:18.578 --> 00:01:21.581 But it's this up and down until they graduate.
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00:01:21.614 --> 00:01:24.617 When they graduate, they say, you know, I did that.
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00:01:24.851 --> 00:01:26.519 You know, I'm a full stack.
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00:01:26.519 --> 00:01:27.454 I can do that.
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00:01:27.454 --> 00:01:30.690 I can troubleshoot, I can build a website.
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00:01:30.723 --> 00:01:33.726 Oh, do you remember when you told me you couldn't do it six months ago?
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00:01:33.927 --> 00:01:38.431 The joy of it, of just watching them and how I feel.
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00:01:38.665 --> 00:01:40.967 A job is a job. You're going to get money,
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00:01:40.967 --> 00:01:43.203 but at the end of the day, you can't feel empty.
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00:01:43.203 --> 00:01:46.406 I realized that when I'm sitting in the classroom, and I loved being there.
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00:01:46.739 --> 00:01:49.809 It's a lot because you have 20 different attitudes.
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00:01:49.809 --> 00:01:50.977 You have 20 different people
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00:01:50.977 --> 00:01:53.980 I'm dealing with, but knowing that this is what I love to do.
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00:01:54.047 --> 00:01:57.083 For you guys especially, pay attention to how you're feeling.
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00:01:57.617 --> 00:01:59.752 Because again, you can walk out this door right now,
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00:01:59.752 --> 00:02:02.856 do what you do but, you know, you more than anything.
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00:02:02.856 --> 00:02:05.859 And if you really are just like, I love what I do
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00:02:06.126 --> 00:02:09.762 and I'm not playing about it, I'm really smiling because I really love it.
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00:02:10.096 --> 00:02:12.699 That's where you're supposed to be. You're meant to be there.
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00:02:12.699 --> 00:02:15.235 And everything else will fall into place, I promise you it will.
 

2024 TSOC Roadtrip
did-not-complete-college

I would recommend to someone who's looking into coding or teaching to pay attention to their own self and feelings. You're going to learn the skill and with time and a lot of effort, you'll get better at it. Focus on self-reflection and self awareness. Make sure that what you're doing is what you want to do for you. The joy and happiness in what you do makes things so much better.

I check in with my students and we review their work from the previous week. After we say morning mantras, the students start their work. I'm available for them if they need additional resources, need to watch a YouTube video on a lesson, or if they need to talk about anything—that's where I come in.

Classroom Facilitator

I can't help these women. I won't be good at this.

Fulfillment

How And Why I Work In Education Technology

How And Why I Work In Education Technology

Allison Matthews

469 videos on Fulfillment: