Finding Purpose: Competency Meets Passion

How I Found My Purpose…

Intro

On January 25, 2023, I recorded a video that marked the beginning of my journey towards finding my true purpose. An idea struck me so forcefully that I ended up recording myself for 30 minutes, passionately outlining my vision. From that recording, I created a 30-second clip that captures the essence of what "Leaders in Training" will become. I am excited to share this vision with you all through this link.

Passion

Before my grandmother passed away in 2020, one of the last conversations I had with her was about my desire to elevate my life. At that time, I felt boxed in by my career as a teacher. I had been teaching for five years, and my heart was no longer in it. My grandmother looked at me and said, "You can do anything with Jesus by your side." She had faith in me and believed that I would figure it out.

I've always dreamed of creating something similar to a YMCA—a family-oriented facility offering wraparound services, particularly for children in need. This aspiration is deeply rooted in my grandmother’s influence. She instilled in me the importance of family and was always there to offer shelter, transportation, and support. Despite not having much herself, she ensured my sisters and I had access to after-school programs, church committees, and educational workshops. Her selflessness and dedication to helping others shaped my passion for supporting low-income youth who face adverse childhood experiences, much like I did.

Competency

This transformative idea came to me while I was deeply immersed in my graduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Leadership. I was in my final semester, working on my capstone project. What I appreciated most about UNC was the freedom to explore and research what I was truly passionate about.

As a former teacher with eight years of experience in Title I schools, a proud graduate of an HBCU, and a Black male who has experienced adverse childhood experiences, I chose to focus on the disparities affecting equitable access to quality education. UNC’s MPH program profoundly influenced me, providing the tools and foundational principles of public health from a leadership perspective. This education equipped me with the necessary competencies and ignited a deeper understanding of how I could make a meaningful impact.

Research showed that quality education is a determining factor in life expectancy and quality of life. Education affects living environments, access to quality healthcare, and health literacy. Long-term impacts include increased opportunities to change socioeconomic status and a reduced risk of negative health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Upon understanding the profound impact of quality education, I delved deeper into the educational performance of low-income youth in North Carolina. The numbers were staggering: while 75% of NC kindergarteners start the year ready, only 38% of economically disadvantaged youth are prepared. In North Carolina, youth from lower-income zip codes often face significant challenges, including lower test scores, higher suspension rates, and an increased likelihood of involvement in violent acts—disproportionately affecting Black males.

Passion + Competency = Purpose

My research on these disparities and my passion for addressing them led to the creation of my nonprofit, "Leaders in Training." This journey taught me that finding one’s purpose is a blend of developing the right competencies and pursuing what you are most passionate about. My experience at UNC allowed me to harness public health principles and apply them to my passion for helping disadvantaged youth. The result is a unique blend of competence and passion that drives "Leaders in Training" and its mission to create positive change.

By leveraging my education and life experiences, I am committed to making a significant impact on low-income youth, helping them break the cycle of systemic oppression and achieve their full potential. Finding your passion is not just about personal fulfillment; it’s about having the skills and dedication to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

By, Scottie T. Jackson, MPH