BMe Leader Anton Moore praises his sixth grade teacher for helping him achieve in school and succeed in life.
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Growing up in South Philadelphia, in the Tasker Home Projects, with a mom who had four kids by the age of 19, having a mentor wasn’t of much value to me—or to my friends, the majority of whom didn’t even have fathers at home. It wasn’t until I was getting suspended and disciplined just about every other day in sixth grade that I realized that not having a male figure in my life played a role in how I behaved at school. With my father incarcerated and my mother working two jobs to make ends meet, I was desperately seeking the attention of an elder male.
I had my uncles and other family members, who did a remarkable job taking me under their wings, but it was something about having an elder male constantly checking in on me every day and making sure I stayed on the right track that I longed for. Towards the end of my sixth grade year I met Mr. Dudley, a math consultant at Pierce Middle School—where I attended. We would always have deep conversations about my upbringing and how I would one day be Senior Vice President for the San Francisco 49’ers—yes, I was a 49’ers fan at one time.
In addition to our long conversations, Mr. Dudley would challenge on a consistent basis to think outside of the box and think about the future. It was rare, growing up in public housing, for someone to give you knowledge about positive things going on outside of my everyday environment.
As I transitioned to seventh grade, my behavior started to improve. Throughout my seventh grade year I had more confidence in myself and I possessed a willingness to want to do better in school. My hard work paid off and at the end of the year I won an award for being the “Most Improved Student”—and I made honor roll. Having a mentor like Mr. Dudley put me in the right direction and changed the way I thought about life.
Upon graduating as the Salutatorian, I made a promise to myself to always reach back and inspire kids that might be experiencing the same thing that I experienced as a child. Today, as a BMe Leader, I’m paying it forward by mentoring two kids from my community and challenging them to follow their dreams, pay attention in school, and to think outside the box!
They also do volunteer work for my nonprofit organization, Unity in the Community, where they learn the importance of giving back and helping others. When my young men do well and I get a positive report from their parents, I reward them with tickets to the Philadelphia 76’ers basketball games. The two young men I mentor remind me a lot of myself. When we talk about various issues, they seem to have the same mindset that I had when I was their age. Hanging out with my two little brothers, I’m reminded that all they need—all anyone needs—is a little attention, love and to be guided down the straight and narrow path. I also admire their parents for reaching out and allowing me to be positive role model to their kids.
Mr. Dudley has taught me a lot when it comes to mentoring. He made me realize that when you invest in the future of our youth, you get positive returns. He also taught me that whatever you do in life you have to be consistent about it. At the time I really didn’t understand what he was saying, but now that I’m a mentor I totally get it. Consistency plays a key role in today’s society and in mentorship; it enables you to build and sustain relationships with youth and constituents.
Having a mentor changed my entire perspective on life and what I can achieve as an African-American male. My role now is to pay it forward!
Happy National Mentoring Month! Celebrate by becoming a mentor today!
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BMe Leader Anton Moore is the Founder and Executive Director of Unity in the Community.
Source: TBO Inc®
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Truly inspiring Christopher. I hope you sent this piece to Mr. Dudley. 🙂