Alumni

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? One of my fondest memories from Richmond Community High School was when Ms. Williams pulled me into her counseling office and made sure I applied to college. At the time, I had been telling my parents that I was applying when, in reality, I had not submitted any applications. Ms. Williams called my bluff and refused to let me sell myself short. Because of that push, I went on to be accepted into every college I applied to and ultimately received a full-tuition scholarship to Norfolk State University. Looking back, that moment had a tremendous impact on the direction of my life, and I will always be grateful that she saw my potential and held me accountable.

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? The most valuable lesson I took away from Community was to never doubt my abilities and to let my results speak for themselves. Although I graduated near the bottom of my class with a 3.37 GPA, there were a few occasions when I truly applied myself and dedicated time to studying for an exam. In those moments, I often earned one of the highest, and sometimes the highest, score in the class. Those experiences taught me that my potential was never determined by where I ranked, but by the level of effort, discipline, and belief I was willing to put into myself.

3. Can you tell us about your current career and about the path you took to get where you are? I am currently a two-time county Award Winning Middle School Theatre Teacher in Chesterfield County Public Schools, which has been an unexpected but incredibly rewarding turn in my career path. Teaching was not originally part of my plan. After earning my bachelor’s degree in Theatre and graduating Magna Cum Laude with a 3.51 GPA, I was presented with an opportunity to apply for the position. Despite competing against approximately twelve other candidates, all of whom had more traditional teaching credentials and experience, I was fortunate to be offered the position two hours after my interview. What began as an unexpected opportunity has since developed into a career that has allowed me to combine my passion for theatre with the opportunity to educate, inspire, and create new experiences for the next generation of students.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in pursuing a career in your field? The best advice I can offer is simple: never give up on yourself, even when you are unsure of what you are capable of. There was a time when I wasn’t even planning to attend college, yet I ultimately graduated at the top of my class within my department. I faced that same uncertainty when I became a teacher. Education was never part of my original plan, and I initially questioned whether I had what it took to truly reach, inspire, and develop the next generation. I chose to take the opportunity anyway and went on to
receive Teacher of the Month during my first month, Beginning Middle School Teacher of the Year, and Beginning Performing Arts Teacher of the Year in Chesterfield County. My journey has taught me that you do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. You may not always recognize your own potential at first, but you owe it to your future self to try. Sometimes, one opportunity, one person believing in you, or one leap of faith can completely change the trajectory of your life.

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider the relationship between their personal and professional lives? One of the biggest lessons I would share is to be intentional about keeping your personal and professional lives separate. You will naturally build friendships and even develop attractions to people you work with, especially when you spend a significant amount of time together. However, it is important to understand that personal decisions can have professional consequences. What may seem harmless or exciting in the moment can become complicated if circumstances change and can potentially affect your reputation, working relationships, or even career opportunities. I learned that lesson the hard way. Always protect the career and reputation you have worked hard to build, establish clear boundaries, and remember that professionalism should remain a priority in the workplace.

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book? I would recommend Thoughts of a Colored Man by Broadway playwright Keenan Scott II. This piece holds a special place in my journey because it was one of the first works I had the opportunity to perform while in college, and I later had the privilege of meeting Keenan Scott II when he came to see our production. Beyond my personal connection to it, the play explores identity, masculinity, vulnerability, relationships, and the different experiences that shape a lot of African American men as we navigate adulthood. I believe it encourages young people to think beyond stereotypes, embrace the complexity of who they are, and recognize that there is no single way to define yourself or your journey.

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? My fondest memory was performing with my friends on stage before watching the Hamilton play with my class. For context, my friend Chidi and I wrote a rap about Patrick Henry to the tune of "No Flockin'" by Kodak Black. We then performed it for Mrs. Baber’s class. It was entered into a competition, where the students chosen would perform before the Hamilton play began. Our rap was chosen, and we got to perform in front of a packed theatre full of students. At the time, I relished any opportunity I got to perform in front of people. I loved the fact that my classmates supported me and were excited for us to perform. 

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? How to write! In Community, I didn’t realize how much we had to write compared to the standard education in other high schools. By the time I graduated in 2021, I had written several multi-page essays and had the skills to annotate a text fully. If I’m being honest, I didn’t always like annotating or writing in school. When I got to college, those were the skills I learned in Community that were the most useful. I remember my roommates who would freak out anytime they were assigned a multi-page paper where the first draft was due the next class, but it didn't bother me at all. 

3. Can you tell us about where you are these days and what you're doing? Currently, I am a Fellow in the Engagement Office, assisting Dr. Greene-Bell, Chief Engagement Officer, on a significant initiative. We are currently developing a comprehensive "History of Richmond and RPS" Curriculum designed for all incoming Richmond Public Schools staff. This project is a key component of the Dreams4RPS initiative, Priority 4.5, focused on ensuring our staff is fully grounded in the historical and cultural context of our community and school division. A large part of my work is building a historical timeline in collaboration with the Valentine Museum. It will be held on the Valentine Museum's website and available to the public.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in doing what you're doing? Don’t be afraid to be publicly persistent! The job that led me to the current position I have is working at a homeless shelter! This is true: during my sophomore year, I worked night shifts at a homeless shelter and picked up day shifts as a caregiver. While working at the shelter, my supervisor was connected to the Director of Public Works. And I told her I was looking for better opportunities to work within my field of study, Public Relations. And she was kind enough to help me meet the Director of Public Works, who then helped me get a job doing PR at the department. I was able to keep this job for two years because I said yes to tasks beyond what I knew I had to do. I helped with parking budgets, invoices, and photography. There were great people in leadership there who liked that I put myself out there and helped me stay on as an employee because of it. When it came to working for RPS, I went upstairs on my lunch break from the 7th floor to the 15th floor to make it known I wanted this fellowship. Being persistent and simply asking for an opportunity has gotten me so far in my life. So many people don’t want to ask for career help or think that showing their strong interest in a job comes across as desperate. You’ll be desperate when you're broke and unemployed.

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider their post-high-school options? For any of the students considering secondary education, work with the financial aid office. Do not wait until the last minute to fill out your FAFSA. Fill it all the way out every year, with all of the correct information, then have your guardian sign it. Do not wait for your parents to fill out the form for you if they’re not going to do it right away. Ask for their information and do it yourself. If you come from a split household, use the parent with the lowest income information in your FAFSA, and have them put you on their taxes, and then apply for the FAFSA. In most public universities, there will be a period during the year to apply for emergency financial aid; if you still have a balance to be paid for the semester, apply for that. Lastly, any scholarship you qualify for—left-handed, Pacific Islander, urban student, etc.—apply!

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book? All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks has given me the most excellent definition of love that I still use today. ​​She argues that true love is an action requiring conscious intent, action, and a combination of six core ingredients: care, commitment, knowledge, responsibility, respect, and trust. The book covers relationships beyond romantic and helped me compartmentalize my family relationships and what they were like growing up. All About Love is a feminist work of writing that explores love as an action. Not just loving other people but yourself as well. It’s important to read while approaching adulthood because college is the four years between being a teenager and being an adult. You might be 18, but trust me, I am 23, and I barely consider myself an adult. I'm still a baby compared to most of the people I work with. Still, the things I handle at 23—that is, my finances, career, networking, and relationships—I did not have the brainpower to handle at 18. And when I am 28, I’ll probably say the same things about my 23-year-old self. All About Love by bell hooks taught me to actively love all of those versions of myself.

1. What is your fondest memory of Community?
It's hard to pick just one, but my fondest memory of Community would have to be the Freshman camping trip. It’s such a unique RCHS tradition and an incredible experience. Despite the rain, no showers, and sardining into a tent, it was a turning point for me and our class as a whole. The trip gave us a chance to step out of the classroom, engage in hands-on learning, and build deeper bonds with classmates. Working together to cook meals, delegate tasks, and explore in nature made the experience even more memorable. I’m still best friends with the two classmates I shared a tent with that year, which says a lot about the lasting connections fostered by that trip.

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community?
One of the most valuable lessons I took away from Community is the importance of putting yourself in uncomfortable situations. As a freshman, I remember being terrified of speaking at morning meetings. When Mr. Brown would scan the room looking for a volunteer, I would sink into my seat and avoid eye contact, hoping he wouldn’t call on me. Of course, sometimes he did.

Public speaking did not come naturally to me. Even reading a short passage in front of my peers made me anxious. I worried about stumbling over my words or sounding unsure, and I often doubted myself before I even began.

Over time, I learned that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and that confidence is built through repetition, not avoidance. By my senior year, I no longer dreaded being selected to speak. The nervousness never fully disappeared, but it became manageable. What once felt overwhelming became something I could handle and eventually grow from.

Mr. Brown’s personal stories about practicing reading aloud and developing his own public speaking skills from a young age were especially impactful. He showed me that even skills that seem effortless for others are usually the result of practice and persistence. His willingness to keep challenging me and encouraging me to lean into discomfort played a significant role in building my confidence and shaping the way I approach growth today, both personally and professionally.

3. Can you tell us about your current career and about the path you took to get where you are?
I currently serve in a dual role as the AmeriCorps Program Manager and High School Program Coordinator for Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, a nonprofit focused on improving health and wellness for youth in the Greater Richmond area. In this role, I manage a cohort of AmeriCorps service members and oversee all high school programming, including athletic initiatives like girls’ Flag Football and our summer high school internship program.

I attended VCU, where I earned my BA in History with a minor in Urban and Regional Studies. After graduating, I served as an AmeriCorps member with the City of Richmond, working on their Richmond Healthy Futures, Opioid Prevention, and Environmental Stewardship (RHOPES) program. I was placed at Fit4Kids as the organization’s first Learn to Ride educator, teaching elementary students at Richmond Public Schools how to ride bikes and be safe pedestrians.

After completing my service term, I joined Fit4Kids full time as the interim Safe Routes to School Coordinator. I later transitioned into program expansion as the Early Childhood & High School Program Coordinator. When Fit4Kids became an AmeriCorps hub site, I stepped into a leadership role as the AmeriCorps Program Manager. I view my role as bringing people and organizations together to create meaningful opportunities for positive youth development and mentorship. I am currently pursuing a post-baccalaureate certificate in Geographic Information Systems from VCU to strengthen my skills in data-driven program planning.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in pursuing a career in your field?
For a Pharaoh interested in pursuing a career in the philanthropic sector, I would encourage them to start as early as possible. My interest in volunteerism began with my mom, who encouraged me to get involved in service throughout my childhood and into adulthood. I recommend approaching the RCHS community service graduation requirement as an opportunity, not a chore. Find an organization that aligns with your passions, spend time learning from the people who work there, and talk to them about your long-term goals. If you’re not sure what you’re passionate about yet, volunteering and service are a great way to figure it out.

There are lots of service-based programs like the Youth Conservation Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps. Those are great opportunities to get hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and build your network. These were the same kinds of programs and opportunities that helped guide my own path into youth programming and nonprofit work.

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider the relationship between their personal and professional lives?
As you move into adulthood, it’s worth remembering that your personal and professional lives don’t have to be in competition with each other. They can inform and strengthen one another. The values, interests, and relationships that matter to you personally should help guide the kind of work you pursue, and your work should ideally support the life you want to build outside of it. Careers are long and rarely linear, so it’s important to choose paths that align with your curiosity and sense of purpose, not just external expectations. At the same time, protecting time for relationships, rest, and personal growth is essential. Success isn’t only measured by professional achievement, but by building a life that feels balanced, meaningful, and sustainable over time.

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book?
I would recommend The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs. While it’s a book about cities and urban planning, at its core it’s about how communities function and how everyday people shape the places where they live. Jacobs challenges readers to observe their surroundings and think critically about how streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces influence safety, opportunity, and connection.

For students approaching adulthood, the book is a powerful reminder that communities aren’t just designed by experts; they are shaped by the people who inhabit them. It encourages curiosity about the built environment, civic engagement, and advocacy. Even if you don’t plan to pursue a career in urban planning, the book provides a framework for understanding how thoughtful observation, active citizenship, and intentional action can strengthen your community and improve quality of life.

7. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider their post-high-school options?
As Community students consider their post-high-school options, I would encourage them to remember that college is just one of many pathways to professional success. Our society often emphasizes that attending college is necessary to achieve career goals, and in many cases, that can be true. If you know what you want to do and college is the best path to get there, absolutely pursue it.

That said, the pursuit of academia is not always linear. It’s okay to take a gap year, enter the workforce first, or attend college later. When you’re finishing high school, especially at RCHS, it can feel like everyone is going to college and that you should too. I would encourage students to reflect carefully on what makes the most sense for them and to choose a path that aligns with their goals and circumstances.

It’s never too late to continue your academic journey, take a break, or pursue non-traditional pathways. There are many ways to build a meaningful and successful career, and the right path looks different for everyone.

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? My time at Community really shaped who I am today. One of my favorite memories was running for Homecoming Princess during my junior year. I used to be super shy, so putting myself out there like that was a big deal. I even teamed up with a classmate who made a beat for me to rap over, definitely one of the most unforgettable (and unexpected!) experiences I’ve had.

Community gave me so many chances to grow and figure out who I was, whether it was through Minimesters or just spending time in Family with Ms. McDonough. It was a place where I learned to step out of my shell and start becoming the person I wanted to be.

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? Don't be afraid to raise your hand.

3. Can you tell us about your current career and about the path you took to get where you are? Right now, I work in podcast marketing, but my journey here was anything but straightforward.

I always knew I wanted to work in media, but I had no idea what that would actually look like. At Community, a few things helped shape my path: I loved AP U.S. History with Ms. Baber, and when Bria Henderson talked about Spelman College on Alumni Day, I was instantly inspired to apply. I ended up going to Spelman and majoring in History with an English Writing minor because of that experience.

While in college, I explored everything I could. I interned at TV One, the Spelman Office of Communications, and even the U.S. House of Representatives. After graduation, I took a gap year and earned a Fulbright Award to teach English in Malaysia, which was cut short because of COVID. When I came back, I started working in social media for a national nonprofit, then joined the NBCUniversal Page Program, a super competitive program for early-career media professionals. That opened doors for me to work at Comcast NBCUniversal in a business role.

But I realized I wanted to be more directly involved in the creative side of things, not just sending emails and taking notes. That’s when I found my way to Condé Nast, home of Vogue, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and more, where I now work on the audio team helping grow podcast audiences. I’ve been here since 2022, and I still have “pinch me” moments all the time.

The truth is, your path doesn’t have to be perfect or linear. Mine definitely wasn’t. But every step, from Community to college to now, helped me get exactly where I needed to be.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in pursuing a career in your field? It might sound cliché, but connections really do matter. I’m always reaching out to people on LinkedIn for quick coffee chats or going to networking events so I can continue building my name in the podcasting world. In fact, I even started my own community called Black Women in Audio to create space and share resources for Black women who want to break into the audio industry which is still very white and male-dominated.

My biggest piece of advice is don’t be afraid to talk to people, even if you don’t know them. Whether you’re asking for career advice or a referral for a job, reaching out and building relationships can take you further than you might expect. People want to help, but you have to be willing to ask.

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider the relationship between their personal and professional lives? It’s really important to keep your personal life and your career separate. Your job or your title doesn’t define who you are. You’re so much more than what you do for work.

Make time for the things that make you happy: pick up a hobby, go for a walk, hang out with friends, get your nails done, take a break. Whatever brings you joy, do more of that. Don’t fall into the cycle of just working, going home, eating, and sleeping. Life is bigger than your job, so make sure you're actually living it.

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book? I’ll always encourage people to read more fiction as it’s one of the best ways to learn and grow. But if I had to recommend one book, it would be The Source of Self-Regard by Toni Morrison.

It’s a powerful collection of her essays and speeches, and the best part is you don’t have to read it all at once. You can flip through and take what you need, when you need it. She talks about everything from storytelling and memory to race, class, and the role of art in society. She’s a writer that will always stay with you.

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? My time at Community really shaped who I am today. One of my favorite memories was running for Homecoming Princess during my junior year. I used to be super shy, so putting myself out there like that was a big deal. I even teamed up with a classmate who made a beat for me to rap over, definitely one of the most unforgettable (and unexpected!) experiences I’ve had.

Community gave me so many chances to grow and figure out who I was, whether it was through Minimesters or just spending time in Family with Ms. McDonough. It was a place where I learned to step out of my shell and start becoming the person I wanted to be.

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? Don't be afraid to raise your hand.

3. Can you tell us about your current career and about the path you took to get where you are? Right now, I work in podcast marketing, but my journey here was anything but straightforward.

I always knew I wanted to work in media, but I had no idea what that would actually look like. At Community, a few things helped shape my path: I loved AP U.S. History with Ms. Baber, and when Bria Henderson talked about Spelman College on Alumni Day, I was instantly inspired to apply. I ended up going to Spelman and majoring in History with an English Writing minor because of that experience.

While in college, I explored everything I could. I interned at TV One, the Spelman Office of Communications, and even the U.S. House of Representatives. After graduation, I took a gap year and earned a Fulbright Award to teach English in Malaysia, which was cut short because of COVID. When I came back, I started working in social media for a national nonprofit, then joined the NBCUniversal Page Program, a super competitive program for early-career media professionals. That opened doors for me to work at Comcast NBCUniversal in a business role.

But I realized I wanted to be more directly involved in the creative side of things, not just sending emails and taking notes. That’s when I found my way to Condé Nast, home of Vogue, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and more, where I now work on the audio team helping grow podcast audiences. I’ve been here since 2022, and I still have “pinch me” moments all the time.

The truth is, your path doesn’t have to be perfect or linear. Mine definitely wasn’t. But every step, from Community to college to now, helped me get exactly where I needed to be.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in pursuing a career in your field? It might sound cliché, but connections really do matter. I’m always reaching out to people on LinkedIn for quick coffee chats or going to networking events so I can continue building my name in the podcasting world. In fact, I even started my own community called Black Women in Audio to create space and share resources for Black women who want to break into the audio industry which is still very white and male-dominated.

My biggest piece of advice is don’t be afraid to talk to people, even if you don’t know them. Whether you’re asking for career advice or a referral for a job, reaching out and building relationships can take you further than you might expect. People want to help, but you have to be willing to ask.

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider the relationship between their personal and professional lives? It’s really important to keep your personal life and your career separate. Your job or your title doesn’t define who you are. You’re so much more than what you do for work.

Make time for the things that make you happy: pick up a hobby, go for a walk, hang out with friends, get your nails done, take a break. Whatever brings you joy, do more of that. Don’t fall into the cycle of just working, going home, eating, and sleeping. Life is bigger than your job, so make sure you're actually living it.

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book? I’ll always encourage people to read more fiction as it’s one of the best ways to learn and grow. But if I had to recommend one book, it would be The Source of Self-Regard by Toni Morrison.

It’s a powerful collection of her essays and speeches, and the best part is you don’t have to read it all at once. You can flip through and take what you need, when you need it. She talks about everything from storytelling and memory to race, class, and the role of art in society. She’s a writer that will always stay with you.

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? It's actually quite difficult to answer this question because I, unfortunately, rarely put myself in situations for the purpose of having fun. This is something I certainly look back on with regret. However, I would say that I most enjoyed my time spent in AP US History with Mrs. Baber. I feel that we all bonded in that class, and I always enjoyed the lectures and projects assigned. I don't study history at William & Mary, so I suppose I sometimes miss that subject area.

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? Quite a few things come to mind. Firstly, in order to flourish in academics (and life in general), you must not be passive; you actually have to put in effort each day. Along these lines, two factors most helped me succeed academically: 1) positive reinforcement from and constant dialogue with my teachers, and 2) changing my mindset from a state of "I have to do this" to "I get to do this." Viewing my education as a privilege and joy always served to motivate me, even when things were challenging.

3. Can you tell us about your current career and about the path you took to get where you are? I am currently wrapping up my senior year at the College of William & Mary, where I am an Honors Fellow in Psychological Sciences. This means that I self-designed and conducted my own psychological study with the assistance of a faculty advisor. Interestingly, the inspiration for my study came from a project I did in Mr. Simone's class in which we all had to deliver a TED-style talk about a topic we were passionate about. I chose to discuss the Jodi Arias case and the role her physical appearance played in the amount of media attention her trial received. Along the same lines, my honors study concerns the effects of female defendant physical attractiveness and crime type on guilt attributions and punishment harshness. In the fall, I will begin my studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student, where I will be focusing on the psycho-physiological basis of psychopathy, in addition to mass-shooting survivor outcomes. My clinical interests lie in forensic assessment.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in pursuing a career in your field? I would advise any student who is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to become involved in psychological research as soon as they can—preferably within your area of interest, but this isn't absolutely crucial as long as you are able to market your skills in your graduate school applications. A great way to start getting involved is to join the lab of a professor you really like. Build relationships with faculty members and take active roles in the studies you get involved with; this will make for a loaded CV and strong letters of recommendation. You also may be able to find summer internships of interest. For example, I interned in the Classifications Division at the Richmond City Jail. If you aren't interested in research or find that research isn't for you, you don't have to give up your dreams of working with people! You could pursue a Psy.D. (although this can be expensive), a master's in social work, or a master's in counseling. It is also a good idea to show that you are a well-rounded student, interested in topics outside of psychology. For example, I have a strong interest in Russian language and literature and chose to minor in it.

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider the relationship between their personal and professional lives? I would say—and this is another key lesson I've taken away from Community—that you should always keep in mind that most people you come into contact with will never remember your achievements: the honor society you got into, the grade you got on that exam, how you won at the history fair, etc. They will, however, remember what it was like to be around you: how you treated them and made them feel. When I was in high school, I became increasingly withdrawn as time went on and didn't focus enough on building a lot of close relationships with my peers. When I look back now, I feel a bit of regret as most of what I have to remember are academic successes. My view now is that nothing is more important than love and human connection—nothing!

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book? Anything by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. His books are so emotionally moving and philosophical; you won't think in the same way after reading his works. I know The Brothers Karamazov is considered his masterpiece, and it is great, for sure—but my all-time favorite is Crime and Punishment. To familiarize yourself with his style, I would recommend starting with Notes from Underground.

"I see the sun, and if I don't see the sun, I know it's there. And there's a whole life in that, in knowing that the sun is there."

– F.M. Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? The camping trip during my freshman year is my fondest memory of Community. From conducting research on soft-shell clams to learning how to put up a tent with my classmates, I learned a lot of life-long lessons. I gained a greater appreciation of the Chesapeake Bay and everyday luxuries that were often taken for granted. I also learned to collaborate with others and practiced resourcefulness with limited supplies.

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? The most valuable lesson I took away from Community is understanding grit! I remember my principal instilling this during countless morning meetings. With each conversation, I understood that everything worth having may not come easy and although certain obstacles may seem hard, I am capable of overcoming them with the right amount of effort. 

3. Can you tell us about your current career and about the path you took to get where you are? I currently work full-time as a Technical Consultant and it is not a role that I ever saw for myself growing up. My day-to-day consists of IT management and development for federal agencies in the DMV area. This requires a lot of agility and communication skills to convey concepts to clients. During my teenage years, I was pretty certain that I would one day go to law school and become an entertainment attorney. However, after life experiences and personal development, I realized during my senior year of undergrad that my desire to become an attorney was not truly one of my own. I then accepted a full time offer to become an account manager for a telecommunications company headquartered in Dallas,TX. My willingness to adapt and try new things in that role revealed to me an interest in technology that I didn't know existed. From that moment, I utilized my transferable skills, leaned on my network, and applied a lot of grit to make a successful career pivot.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in pursuing a career in your field? The biggest piece of advice I can offer to anyone planning out their career is to do what YOU want, and if you're unsure of what that is, then pay attention to the hobbies that excite you most (with reason). I would also recommend obtaining an internship every summer and learning everything that you can. If you are unsure of how to find one, then reach out to your advisors and be sure to attend career fairs. Remember to take advantage of all opportunities and experiences whether it's joining a new club, studying abroad, or becoming friends with your floormates. The people that you meet will become a part of your network or life-long friends post-grad.

If you are certain that you want to pursue a career in technology, then I would recommend pursuing certifications that align with that as soon as you can. An IT related major will certainly solidify your ability to find a lucrative role post grad, however, please know that with the right certifications you can pursue a career in IT with any major or no degree at all; believe me, I majored in Legal Communications during undergrad. The lesson in this is to always have your plan in mind, but remember to be open minded and flexible.

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider the relationship between their personal and professional lives? Try to understand quickly that comparison is the thief of joy. If you are doing anything with the hopes of receiving any type of external validation, you will never truly be fulfilled in your decisions. If you feel behind, then just remember moving really fast will just simply get you nowhere, quickly. Keep God first and run your own race.

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book? I would recommend reading More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth. In the book Elaine discusses identity, friendships, and self-worth in the workplace. Her career path was far from traditional but she has been able to reach true success in the Beauty industry. I believe that students could take away at least one thing from the book to feel more self assured.

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? Overall, my fondest memories of Community are the Minimesters. The level of bonding that comes from traveling together is something special. It is also a very unique experience that most people never get.

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? The number one lesson that I took away from Community is ACCOUNTABILITY. The four years I spent at Community were one giant lesson in accountability. You control your future with the decisions you make on a daily basis.

3. Can you tell us about your current career and about the path you took to get where you are? I am currently the Director of Global Sports Marketing Operations at Nike, Inc. In short, my team is in charge of delivering the right product to the right athletes at the right time and place. My path was not direct. Although I studied Sport Management at Florida State University, this is not where I thought I would end up. I believed that I would probably retire as the Head Equipment Manager for a major university or an NFL team. I made stops at Iowa State University, the University of Virginia, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Washington Commanders before landing at Nike.  

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in pursuing a career in your field? Be patient but not too patient, work hard but not too hard, and be prepared to take opportunities that present themselves. Look at everything on your path as a chance to gain skills that make you a more well-rounded person and employee.

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider the relationship between their personal and professional lives? KEEP THEM SEPARATE if possible. You need a break from both places. Make sure that you do not become your work. Your work is part of who you are, it is not your entire identity. 

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book? Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche – I think financial literacy is more important than ever.

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? The freshmen camping trip will have to be my most fond memory at RCHS. I was looking forward to this trip since freshmen orientation and it lived up to my imagination. This weeklong experience taught me some of the most valuable lessons of my life and gave me some of my closest friends in life. 

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? Be the type of person you want to meet. 

3. Can you tell us about your current career and about the path you took to get where you are? I’m currently a Microbiology and Immunology Ph.D. student at VCU studying allergic asthma. My passion for research began very young when I did the MSI Program at University of Richmond from 6th-12th grade. From there, I attended the University of Richmond for a bachelor's in Biology. I worked for a short while as a Medical Technologist before beginning a post-baccalaureate research program at VCU. Once that program ended, I enrolled into VCU’s Ph.D. program. My goal is to enter academia and to be a full-time professor.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in pursuing a career in your field? Begin to look into research opportunities early, as many may be outside of Richmond and might even come with summer stipends. Always be open to volunteering or interning with someone who you look up to and want to learn from. 

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider the relationship between their personal and professional lives? Listen to your intuition. Not every job position, salary, or location may be the right fit for you. Remain open and allow growth to happen organically. 

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book? Atomic Habits by James Clear. Breaking old habits and generating new ones is essential to all aspects of our lives, young and old. As you begin college life, enter the workforce, or anything in between, it will be important to create habits that will produce a better version of yourself. This will require daily, intentional decisions that you must make, and this book helps build that skill. 

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? I have lots of great memories from Community, but my favorite is probably the band trip in late 2019 to the Midwest Convention in Chicago. It was such a great time with some great friends, and I have a ton of fantastic memories from it.

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? The best lesson I learned from Community is the importance of being self responsible. Academically, Community was very rigorous, and I learned that in order to succeed I needed to hold myself accountable for completing my work and turning it in on time.

3. Can you tell us about where you are these days and what you're doing? Currently, I am a Psychology student at VCU with a minor in Sociology, and I am in a band, MISC., which is currently playing shows and growing traction in the Richmond music scene. We have one single out and are in the process of releasing our first full-length project.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in doing what you're doing? Schoolwise, I can not stress enough the importance of finding a good schedule that allows you to do your homework in a timely manner. Falling behind in college can feel like a disaster! Musically, I would say trust yourself and have confidence in your art. And the biggest tip is make friends and connections with good people in the scene that can help you grow.  

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider their post-high-school options? Understand that college isn't for everyone. If you have a passion or you think your talents could be better suited elsewhere, do not feel obligated to go to school. I would say most students in college don't have a real passion for their major, and many end up wasting their time and money. Take a gap year, explore yourself, and learn who you are. School isn't going anywhere!

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book? The book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie was a life-changing book for me. It revolutionized the way I interact with people and has helped me in both professional and day-to-day relationships. It has made me smarter, wiser, and—most importantly—more kind.

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? The familial connections made while pushing us to embrace the agency of resistance. I recall this heavy struggle the fall of '96, if I am not mistaken (my Sophomore year), when several of us stopped saluting during the pledge of allegiance. Several morning meeting times were taken, along with an entire school meeting midday, to address the resistance. I recall several of my peers and instructors did not prefer the actions we chose, while Mr. Wagner and a few others made a point to hold space for our resistance and even encourage it (even though it was not their personal preference at all). The agreement was never the point. Community as an institution embraced the struggle as an example of why critical thought, especially about our exo-community, was a key to being responsible thinkers.

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? That I was an elite thinker. I do not say that with vanity but I do say it with certainty. After having done a ton of school and making a profession of being present in schools, I've been exposed to a broad and robust sample of thinkers. I have yet to come across an institution that developmentally pushes intense and complex thought, as a norm, at a level comparable to Community. Also, my capacity to "do school" has always outshined my horsepower, if I am being honest. School was happening in Community, and it showed everywhere I went afterwards.

3. Can you tell us about your current career and about the path you took to get where you are? I am a clinical and school psychologist by education. I went to Morehouse College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I immediately enrolled at University of Virginia, where I graduated with a Master of Education in Educational Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical & School Psychology. I have worked in schools since graduating from UVA in 2008 as a psychologist but with various slants. For example, I worked in residential and day treatment settings on the school side as a unique interventionist for some of the most vulnerable young people as identified by their school districts. Similarly, I worked as a psychologist in a DC Public Charter School working with some of the most concerning young people as a programmatic coordinator and interventionist focused on keeping them from being suspended while empowering their engagement. For the last seven years, I have worked as a restorative operator and administrator in the only all-male, DC Public High School with focus on disrupting the school to prison pipeline for the district's most vulnerable population. I also operate my own private practice currently where I provide therapeutic and assessment services in the virtual space.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in pursuing a career in your field? Psychology is broad and wide. I would suggest pushing to specialization, with credentials that eliminate the possibility of closed doors. Doctoral degrees in psychology also carry different keys to doors. For example, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is comprehensive and allows one access to expertise in pretty much any area of the discipline, whereas a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) is very specific to the clinical practice of psychology with limits on acceptability in other spaces. Whichever one's chosen pathway, my most sincere advice is to move in professional spaces where you are celebrated. A professional healer's work is intense and requires a very unique understanding of one's destiny in order to do it well. Be sure to move professionally in spaces that value you as evidenced in time, compensation, and overall interpersonal experience.

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider the relationship between their personal and professional lives? Personal and professional lives exist in separate spaces, primarily in theory. In practice, your life is one unified reality that consists of multiple domains (profession and personal included). Create a life for yourself where they both feed each other well and coexist in ease. As revolutionaries, as resisters, as catalysts for change, as healers, as creatives, we do not spend enough time making space for the multiple phenomena that exist within us. No one will make space for you. Take up space wherever you are in a way that allows all of your parts to thrive.

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book? Malidoma Patrice Somé's Of Water and Spirit is, of itself, a coming-of-age story that centers health, wholeness, and love in the context of one's community. It is so remarkably outside of the American, capitalist, Euroecentric norm of understanding that it almost reads like a fiction. As a healer, a husband, a father, a son, and a man with desire to be useful to his people, there is no better book for a young mind to engage as a means of detoxifying their mind while also reshaping the boundaries through which they will engage their physical and existential worlds.

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? My fondest memory of Community is Harvest Fest. Harvest Fest was always my favorite tradition because of the events we had. I loved doing Dancing with the Stars and having the field day for the second half of school. My dad was always able to come hang out with me during Harvest Fest. Even more, I enjoyed the returning students coming back to visit because I missed most of them.

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to be able to reach out to your teachers and peers when you’re struggling because they will be there for you. They want to be there for you. Going along with that, if you can, it’s also important to be that person that someone can reach out to, too.

3. Can you tell us about where you are these days and what you're doing? I am currently attending Norfolk State University and I am majoring in Mass Communications with a concentration in Journalism. I recently self-published a poetry book on Amazon, titled ugly fry. That was a passion project of mine that I started in early December. I wanted a place to be vulnerable and I wanted to let people, that feel what I feel, know that they are not alone. At school, I am working on producing a show. The show will be run by students and feature students as a way to engage with everyone on the campus. I’m currently waiting for that project to be greenlit so that we can start filming. This semester, I will also be joining Spartan Echo, which is the school’s magazine, as a creative and lifestyle writer.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in doing what you're doing? Believe in yourself and what you are capable of! Self-doubt and comparisons are killers. No one is able to do what you can do, so you just have to trust yourself enough to take that leap. However, also understand that you do not have to do it alone. It’s always okay to ask for support.

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider their post-high-school options? I want students to remember that it is important to live life. Education is not the only thing that matters; your happiness does as well.

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book? A nonfiction book that I would recommend is What a Time to be Alone by Chidera Eggerue. This book really helped me during my senior year and during my transition into college. It’s sort of like a self-help book, but it guides you through important things, such as setting boundaries.

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? My fondest memory would have to be when we visited New York City for a week in my sophomore year. I was a sixteen year old in NYC with all of my best friends. We were given freedom to explore within reason, saw the ballet, a play, the Metropolitan Art Museum, 9/11 memorial, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? You do not have to finish first, as long as you finish and know that you gave it your best. I graduated #5 out of my class of 57 and we were very competitive. After a while, I realized my friends’ success did not mean I was lacking success. We could all win together in our own respective ways and styles. It is very important to celebrate the achievements of others and not get so caught up in being the best. I let my work speak for itself, strive to always treat people with respect no matter their title, and prioritize enjoying what I do. I know that as long as I am true to myself, I’ll land where I am meant to be.

3. Can you tell us about your current career and about the path you took to get where you are? I am currently a Project Engineer with Southland Industries at our office in Philadelphia, PA. Southland is one of the leading specialty mechanical contractors in the nation. I graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Building Construction in 2021. When I started at VT in 2016 I had the goal of becoming a civil engineer and building bridges. Through a series of events, I switched majors in my third year to Building Construction and found the perfect career that I did not realize even existed. I wanted to focus on building systems, the more complex side of building, but my major did not offer that as a track. I took extra classes, purchased textbooks, joined clubs, and competed in competitions to make me a strong candidate for companies like the one I work for today.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in pursuing a career in your field? My advice to those interested in a career similar to mine is to first make sure you are getting into a career you will love doing. And second, what you put in it is what you will get out of it. I love my job more than the average person. I am constantly learning and feeling challenged so I never grow bored. Plus, there is so much satisfaction is seeing something go from a pile of dirt to a multi-story building that will stand and serve for decades to come. My last note would be not to let what you look like or what you have been through stop you from chasing your dreams. I had very humble beginnings and suffered a lot through my childhood, but in school I found my safe haven. I am a first generation college student and had to learn everything the hard way, but I made it out and I am very proud of where I am.

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider the relationship between their personal and professional lives? I was raised by my grandparents, so my siblings and I default to, “Yes sir, No sir, Yes ma’am and No ma’am.” You would think we were robots with wiring as such. For an adult to ask us to drop the sir or ma’am is like sticking a knife into the heart of our server. I advise you to be that way. Always remain humble no matter the accolades or achievements. I would say I am the same person at home that I am at work. I respect my boss the way I respect my grandmother. When you respect others, it shows a respect for yourself.

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book?  This one is a little hard for me since I everything I read is Christian. My first thought would be the Bible. When an individual comes into a place where they have humbled themself and seek to live a life of service, things change. You have joy even when life seems upside down; you have faith even when it seems everything is against you.

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? Offsite, minimesters, teachers (see my response to #3 below).

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? Having Black teachers that really cared helped me to believe anything was possible. I also learned so much about the possibility of studying and education from my classmates. I hate to name drop but I will. I remember being in the 10th grade struggling to find my way in school and life. I was in the second semester German class with a Junior named Lenora Robinson. I remember how organized and studious she was. It was not just her organization that really moved me; it was her kindness. I never had my homework done and was rarely prepared. She never made fun of me and only encouraged me. I remember thinking to myself, If I am ever going to become what I know I can be, I will have to do things differently. I learned so many skills from my classmates like Lenora Robinson.

3. Can you tell us about your current career and about the path you took to get where you are? I have taken a very circuitous path to arrive as a professor and creative producer. [Here is an interview with Professor Harris about his documentary "In Our Words."] I started off majoring in history at 18 years old thinking that I wanted to become a lawyer. However, I soon realized I had no desire to practice law. I spent the next 18 years learning everything I could about the art of storytelling. I studied abroad in Germany, Taiwan, and Austria. I lived overseas in Thailand and Singapore for a few years. I traveled to Ukraine, Poland, South Africa, and South Korea! I met my RCHS classmate Alex Brown in Tokyo during a tsunami. We were both members of the 2004 graduating class of RCHS and then again of the 2008 Hampton University class. I learned that I would have to create my own path to have the life I wanted to live. The more I learned about the world and humanity, the better I was able to create meaningful characters. I became comfortable being uncomfortable. I learned that time takes time and when I take my time and move slowly, I make fewer mistakes. When the inevitable setbacks of life happen they become easier to navigate when I am taking my time and moving slowly. My AP history teacher, Mrs. Westbrook, told me in June of 2003, “I see a young man struggling with who he is and what he is destined to become." It took me 18 years to understand how true that statement was. Ms. Barbara Gray, my biology and family teacher, looked after me as if I were a child of her own and showed me grace when I didn't deserve it. I have been able to push on because of these extraordinary teachers and in spite of myself! I now instill these same lessons in my students and in the art I seek to create. This long circuitous path in my career has taught me to enjoy where I am, to be grateful for what I have, and to remember what I think didn’t work out, actually worked out for me! (READ THAT AGAIN!!!!) I am now on the path of living the life I could have never dreamed of! 

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in pursuing a career in your field? The creative industry requires a level of tenacity and humility that can test the strongest willed person. Learn to motivate yourself and find your North Star!

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider the relationship between their personal and professional lives? The concept of balance is very important. It is important to find out what you want for your life and not what someone else wants for your life. The second question to consider is, What is this going to cost me to have what I think I want?

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? Perhaps going to Tennessee to a World’s Fair, or the senior class’s beach trip at graduation.  There were many!

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? My years at RCHS were formative for me.  There is not one lesson that stands out, but altogether I learned so much not just academically but in terms of how you can accomplish things if you focus and work hard.

3. Can you tell us about your current career and about the path you took to get where you are? I am a professor of history at Ithaca College, and I just published my second book, The End of Public Execution. (For more, see the UNC Press website for the book!)  I went from RCHS to Hampshire College in Massachusetts and loved it, but also, I did not know what I was doing.  I took a leave of absence for a year to figure stuff out, went back, dropped out, finally figured stuff out, and finished my career at VCU, earning a history BA with an English minor.  After some more twists and turns – life is full of these – I went to graduate school at UNC, Chapel Hill, where I earned my Masters and my PhD (go Heels!).  I have been teaching at Ithaca College since 1999.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in pursuing a career in your field? Being a teacher is wonderful.  It is lots of work, but also very rewarding.  Teaching at the college level means getting at PhD in most fields, and that takes something like 8 more years of schooling past college: a real sacrifice, although grad school is a tremendous amount of fun (if you are a nerd who likes the subject!).  It is like a calling: it requires commitment to make it through the years of schooling and then a troublesome job market, but if you have that commitment, it can be terrific.  Much more in demand (jobs are open throughout the nation) and more accessible (requires a MA degree rather than a PhD) would be teaching high school or middle school social studies.

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider the relationship between their personal and professional lives? You need balance.  I’ve spent much of my life trying to find it: I am one of the millions of us who suffer from anxiety and depression, and that has affected me from my years at RCHS to now.  Balance is key.  There is not one path we’re supposed to be on – we each find our own way, and we can make it work out for us.  A professional life is not something that is given us or that just appears; it is built.  It takes lots and lots of hard work to be not just marginally OK in your work, but the sort of excellent that means you’re the one who gets that nice shiny promotion and finally you get the job you wanted.  Real life takes effort.  But while doing that building, we have to stay sane!  The people around you – your community – are something that will feed you, but they are also something to invest in.  At some point in your personal or professional life, the proverbial poop is going to hit the fan in some way.  That’s just a part of what life is.  And that is true for all those around you who you care about as well.  We get through this thing not as individuals, but together.  And we’ll mess up along the way: keep learning, keep building.  What’s the saying? “Fail better”. I’m doing well in my career, but, wow, do I ever have stories of failing.

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Can’t do this: one book?  I’m a professor.  I want to mention 40.  Here are a few, briefly, divided by theme.  Feeling like the world/Covid is just pretty dark? Open up Ross Gay’s light and lovely Book of Delights.  It reminds you, page after page, about what is good in the world.  Wanting to be a writer or just enjoy a hilarious (but meaningful) writer making fun of her life? See if Anne Lamott’s Bird By Bird is your thing.  Want to read one of the best novels ever written? See if Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man draws you in.  A defining book for me when I was at RCHS was J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings: such a rich and complex world he created.  If I really had to choose one book, I might have to go with The Autobiography of Malcolm X because it is just so very rich and rewarding: he lived many different lives, and the book raises huge questions that are very worth raising, both in terms of the world, or in terms of identity and what we believe in.  Or what I think of as the best graduation speech ever, published as a little book: Anna Quindlen’s A Short Guide to a Happy Life. Why aren’t we all reading this tiny book – it can be read in 30 minutes or less – every year?

1. What is your fondest memory of Community? My fondest memory of Community has got to be the Chicago Midwest Clinic trip. RCHS has always offered a lot of different experiences to students who otherwise may not have had the option to enjoy them, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Exploring a larger world of music with like-minded individuals at a young age contributed to my overall appreciation for the art. My eyes opened when I witnessed students half my age playing with the level of skill I possessed at the time; it made me go shed, haha.

2. What was the most valuable lesson you took away from Community? The most valuable lesson I took from Community was how to breeze through a paper. Whew!

3. Can you tell us about your current career and about the path you took to get where you are? I have been fortunate and blessed to make a living doing what I love: playing drums. Music has been the only career path I have wanted to pursue since I was 12, so I made sure that was the only option. I did not have a plan B; I only had one vision. So, I learned, practiced, participated in activities that would better my craft, and I surrounded myself with people who were better than me. My mindset throughout Community was, "Get good grades, get into Berklee," and I did just that.

4. What specific advice can you offer a Pharaoh who is interested in pursuing a career in your field?
- NETWORK! You won't make it very far if you don't intend on staying in the house.
- BE KIND! I asked Grammy award-winning drummer and musician Robert Sput Searight to name some qualities or attributes that you would say are a must if you want to be a successful professional full-time musician. He responded, "Nobody wants to work with an asshole."
- COMPARISON KILLS! DO YOU BOO!!!

5. What would you most want Community's students to keep in mind as they consider the relationship between their personal and professional lives? Community students should always keep boundaries between the personal and the professional. Don't let a good relationship get in the way of business, especially when it's your boss. Also, speak up for yourself because this here is life, so if you don't, nobody will.

6. What book—fiction or non-fiction—would you recommend to Community's students as they approach adulthood? Why this book? Me? Recommend a book? Come on now.