MY LIFE AND UPBRINGING

I am 62 years old. I grew up on a farm and would have been a farmer if I had money in my pocket. I grew up lower Sampson County in Harrells and Ivanhoe, number 8 of 10 children. By some accounts, our family was poor but I didn’t feel poor. I had all of what I needed… Love and Encouragement.

MY EDUCATION

I am a product of public education. I began at Garland Head Start, Bland Elementary, Clear Run Junior High, Union High School, UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University. Being the product of one’s education means embodying the cumulative impact of academic and experiential learning throughout one’s life. Education shapes individuals by providing them with knowledge, skills, and perspectives that influence their thoughts, actions, and values. It encompasses formal classroom learning, extracurricular activities, and real-world experiences.

The product of education reflects not only academic achievements but also personal growth, critical thinking abilities, and the capacity to navigate the complexities of life. It encompasses the development of social, emotional, and intellectual dimensions, molding individuals into well-rounded contributors to society. As the product of education, individuals carry with them the transformative power of learning, shaping their identity and influencing their interactions with the world.

MY WORK

Believe me when I say that farm children work. At six years old I was driving a Farmall tractor in the tobacco field and at 16, I drove a school bus. I financed college through work study, grants, and loans and after college, I became a Naval Officer for 30 years  and did 2 tours in Iraq on the staff General Petraeus and General Austin – the current secretary of defense. I worked 15 years at the company that makes the Blackhawk Helicopter. I became an entrepreneur. In a leadership role, I focused on People development, Process improvement and Objective Achievements.