Highland View ES- Dr. Joseph Speaks to Young Black Men of Promise
Dr. Shawn Joseph
Achieving Greatness
Dr. Covington, Dr. Joseph, Ms. Dardarian, Dr. Van Collins
and participants
How do individuals achieve greatness? That was the theme of Dr. Shawn Joseph’s presentation to the youngsters participating in the Young Black Men with Promise mentoring program at Highland View ES. Dr. Shawn Joseph is the Performance Director for the Blair, Einstein, Northwood and Kennedy clusters.
With great enthusiasm, Dr. Joseph asked the audience to repeat, “Say it loud across the nation. We are going to be a great generation!” When he asked the boys to state what they hope to be when they grow up, some of their answers were doctors, teachers, lawyers, police officers and engineers. To achieve greatness, the speaker offered important words of advice.
Dream Busters
“If you want to be great, you need to watch out for dream busters.”
Dr. Joseph encouraged the youngsters to be aware of individuals who would try to keep them from achieving their “greatness.” He advised students to be aware of individuals who might tell them that they cannot accomplish their goals or might even deliberately lead them astray.
Friends and Associations
“If you want to be great, you need to choose your friends wisely.”
Dr. Joseph advised the young men to associate with individuals who are also aspiring to be productive individuals and contribute to our society. These friendships and associations will provide motivation and support for mutually shared goals. He cautioned students to refrain from becoming friendly with individuals who might encourage them to participate in illegal and unethical activities. These are not true friends and not associations worth keeping.
The Power of Education
“If you want to be great, you need to understand the power of your education.”
Dr. Joseph emphatically stated, “There is absolutely nothing more important than getting a good education.” He explained that a good education leads to success. He praised the youngsters in the group he observed during previous visits to Highland View who were receiving extra support during lunch bunch times. He reminded the participants that “no one could take your education away from you.” He encouraged students to seek support when they needed additional help.
A Winning Combination
His closing words of advice were to work hard, listen to the people in your support system, believe in yourself and then, you will be capable of achieving greatness.
Dr. Joseph shared how he overcame some of the challenges in his life and how he achieved his goals.
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Students were given the opportunity to ask questions and personally speak to Dr. Joseph.
Dr. Joseph, mentors, and participants