by Dr. Oliver T. Reid

Finding My Path

My journey into education began with struggle. As a child, I was far from the top student. I was popular, but the school system did little to spark my creativity. I often felt confined, unable to fully express myself. The only reason I entered college was because I was dating a young woman whose father required me to pursue higher education if I wanted to date his daughter. At first, it felt like an obligation rather than a calling.

That choice led me to Winston-Salem State University, and it changed my life. For the first time, I was immersed in a space that celebrated culture, history, and diversity. I had spent my earlier years in predominantly white schools, and the contrast was eye-opening. At Winston-Salem, I fell in love with history and sociology. I discovered my passion for teaching and speaking, something I had been doing since I was fourteen.

From charter schools to preparatory academies, from daycare centers to high schools, I began teaching in a variety of settings. Each space reminded me of the power of education to transform lives. Students needed role models they could see and reach. That realization anchored my commitment to education and human services.

The Resource of Voice

Through every challenge, I found that my greatest resource was my voice. I remind people all the time: never underestimate the value of your story. Share it while you are alive so others will not have to summarize it once you are gone.

During the pandemic, this truth hit me deeply. At my cousin’s funeral, I learned things about her life that I had never known. She had given so much, but her story was hidden until it was read in an obituary. That moment changed me. I realized that stories must be shared while we breathe, instead of being buried until others discover them later.

Our voices carry power, healing, and legacy. Every time we speak or write our truth, we leave a roadmap for someone else. The story you tell can open doors, solve problems, and inspire courage in those who follow. Silence, on the other hand, leaves dreams unspoken and wisdom unused.

Why Stories Remain Untold

Too many people hold back from writing or speaking their truth. They convince themselves that their experiences are ordinary or unworthy of sharing. They say they will write a book “someday,” yet years pass without action. I call this being stuck in the “getting ready” mode.

Others hesitate out of protection. They worry about how family members, friends, or colleagues will react if certain details are revealed. They carry heavy truths but choose silence to shield others. While the intention may be honorable, it often prevents healing for themselves and wisdom for others.

Writing heals. Speaking heals. Yet many of us prefer to consume stories rather than create them. We watch television, read other books, or follow social media without realizing that our own narratives could inspire just as much impact. The truth is simple: your story carries value, and it has the potential to free both you and those who hear it.