THE ONES WHO BELIEVED

Every journey has voices that kept you standing when your knees were shaking.  For me, it began at home.  My parents were my first believers, the ones who prayed louder than the doubt, who taught strength through sacrifice, and love through action.  They never questioned my dreams. 

There was another person in my life who believed in me.  The year was 1974, and I was a junior in high school.  I excelled in the Business Program, typing 100 words per minute and mastering Gregg Shorthand at 120 words per minute.  My dream was to become an executive secretary to a CEO.  But my business teacher, Mrs. Dinkins, saw something more in me.  

She noticed the girl who always raised her hand first, volunteered to work in the front office at school, served as a homeroom assistant on the attendance committee, and leaned into every opportunity to learn and lead.  

Mrs. Dinkins got me my first part-time job after school at Schering-Plough Corporation, a pharmaceutical company.  I worked in the secretarial pool and absolutely loved it.  That experience taught me professionalism, work ethic, and pride in every task, lessons that still guide me to this day.

In 1975, my senior year, I received the Berkeley School Award for academic achievement in the Business Education Department.  The first time I spoke in public was during that ceremony.  Mrs. Dinkins, my parents, and the Human Resources Director of Schering-Plough were in attendance.  

After graduation, I was offered a full-time position as a medical research secretary at Schering-Plough.  I was on my way!

I recall Mrs. Dinkins saying I was made for something bigger and better.  She saw something in me that I didn't yet see in myself: confidence, leadership, and a natural ability to connect and communicate.  While I focused on becoming someone's assistant, Mrs. Dinkins was quietly preparing me to become a voice others would be inspired by.  

To this day, we are still in touch through phone calls and letters (yes, we actually write to each other) -- 51 years later!  Wow ... it blows my mind!

The Power of Acknowledgment

Acknowledging those who have supported you isn't just good manners; it's leadership.  Gratitude grounds you. It reminds you that success isn't built on ego; it's built on relationships.

Reflection

Behind every strong voice is a chorus of believers: parents, teachers (like Mrs. Dinkins), friends, and mentors who refused to let you quit.  They didn't do it for recognition; they did it because they believed.

 

Thank you, Mrs. Dinkins!