In my opinion this week’s lecture was the most eye-opening class that we have had so far and really made me evaluate my future and if I am doing what is right for me. Dr. Leslie Fenwick the Dean of the School of educator was our guest speaker for the day and I think that she was wonderful and her message was clear. I was so intrigued by the information that she was sharing with us that I didn’t take much notes on paper however I remember her message.
She began the lecture giving us a mini “pop quiz”, she asked us a series of questions containing statistics regarding the African community and our community as a whole. I do not remember all of the questions however I was astonished by the actual statistics behind the questions. After allowing us some time to think about the question and answer it in our own opinion she revealed to us the real answers and we couldn’t believe it because what we thought was true was the complete opposite. Mrs. Fenwick said to us “too many people in our community do not know the statistics regarding our community” and judging by the “ohh and wes” of my fellow classmates and I this was true.
“Which group outscores the other when it comes to standardized test?” asked Dr. Fenwick. The whole classes burst with excitement after this question because we are almost positive that we knew the correct answer., little did we know that we were wrong. Only two people in a class of probably 200 plus students answered the correct answer thar African American males outscore their counterparts. Fr, Fenwick explained to us that our community does not put the right statistics out there that properly represent us and that it is our job to know who we are and what we are about. As a spinoff of the question she asked us if this statistic is true “How come we do not see more African American males in college?” This question really had me thinking. I honestly cannot come up with an answer to this question three days later because I do not understand how people let their intelligence go to a waste. I think it is our job to build up these young men and make them realize what a gift they have and that college in an opportunity to further their gift.
Dr. Fenwick explained to us that she has devoted her career to “improving educational opportunity and outcomes for African Americans and underserved student.” I really admired her for this statement and the statements that came after that to back up her strong beliefs. She believes that as an educator she can basically change the world one child and a time overcoming any challenges that may lay ahead. She spoke about her profession so passionately and the leaps and bounds she has made from a elementary school teacher to becoming a dean at a university.
The statement that really made me think about my career path of being a nurse was when she said to do what we want to do because we love it and we feel that we can make a difference doing it, not because of the money it will bring. Every time I tell someone that I am majoring in nursing in the hopes to become a neonatal nurse I automatically get the response that I have chosen a great career path because I will be set for life with the money that I will be making and the benefits of job security. Although being a nurse has those perks these are not the reasons why I am choosing this career. I want to change lives, I want to help someone when it seems like they have nothing left, I want them to give them hope and happiness and everything that people deserve. Dr. Fenwick didn’t really make me question my career choice but strengthened my decision to become a nurse. I thought about it and this is something that I am sure that I am going to love.
I really enjoyed Dr. Leslie Fenwick’s speech and the insight she provided us about making decisions that will help us in the future. I also appreciate her for educating us more about our community so that we too can go on and educate others.
-Alexandria Daley
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