By William White

As I reflect on my journey, I never imagined I’d be here—an educator, advocate, and college professor, committed to changing the lives of Black and Brown students. My path was far from straightforward, but every twist and turn led me to where I am today, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

I grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with a strong connection to education, though I didn’t recognize it at first. My mother was a teacher, and I saw how hard she worked every day, grading papers late into the night and pouring her heart into her students. Back then, I didn’t want that life. I saw people around me driving luxury cars and living in big houses, and I thought that’s what success looked like. Teaching didn’t seem to offer that.

I initially pursued a career in Homeland Security, but something was missing. I found myself substitute teaching at Fairfield Middle School, and that’s where it hit me—I loved working with kids. Specifically, I found my passion in special education. Seeing the spark in a child’s eyes when they finally grasped a concept, when they felt seen and understood, that’s what I was meant to do.

My path wasn’t without its challenges. I faced obstacles like difficult standardized tests and job losses due to school restructuring. I even had moments where I doubted if this was the right path. But every time, the connection with my students brought me back. Their success was my success.

Virginia State University, an HBCU, played a huge role in shaping me into the educator I am today. At VSU, I learned the importance of cultural responsiveness and how to truly connect with students. This was more than just teaching lessons; it was about understanding the whole child, their background, their experiences, and their potential. Later, at George Washington University, I built on that foundation, expanding my skills and knowledge in ways that allowed me to further impact the education system.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is that education is more than just a profession; it’s a calling. Our students, especially our Black and Brown students, need to see educators who look like them, who understand their struggles, and who can be role models for their future. That’s why I co-founded “My Brother’s Teacher,” an initiative designed to increase the presence of Black and Brown men in early childhood education. We’re creating a pipeline from high school to graduate school, offering mentorship, financial support, and, most importantly, community.

Our work isn’t just about recruiting teachers; it’s about changing the system. We’re pushing for a system that supports and values teachers of color, recognizing the unique challenges we face and the incredible impact we can have. I’ve always believed that if you want to change lives, you have to be in the classroom, and that’s exactly what we’re doing—changing lives, one student and one teacher at a time.

I’ve come to realize that success isn’t about the cars, the houses, or the money. Success is about the lives you touch and the legacy you leave behind. Every day, I wake up knowing that I’m making a difference in the lives of my students, and that’s worth more than any paycheck.

So, to anyone reading this, if you’re thinking about becoming a teacher, if you’re passionate about making a difference, I urge you to follow that path. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. And if you’re already in education, keep pushing, keep advocating, and keep believing in the power of what you do. Together, we can create a better future for our students and for the generations to come.