I previously shared this blog post on my career blog two months ago at wdjournalism.wordpress.com and I wanted to park it here as well.
I never knew that my journey to a new career in Diversity Affairs would be so soon. Earlier this year in March 2019, my husband and I were on our way to my nephew’s birthday party about 1.5 hours away from our home. In the car, we engaged in the most in-depth and intentional dialogue about being Black in America. I was the one who initiated the dialogue since I had just been overlooked for a position at my current workplace in higher education. I inquired with him: “Why is it so hard to move up?” I had been stuck in an entry-level position for 5 years. But, Year-5 (this year), I was determined to finally do something about it. I went on an interview, which you can read about here, and did very well. Overall, the director covertly suggested that I was probably their final candidate, thus choosing me; but they did not. I cried (I know, big no no in academia and corporate America), and then I began writing. I began writing about politics in higher education, and just societal bias in general. I began drafting my dissertation during this trip in the car, before I ever knew that I would eventually need a dissertation.
It was through writing, discussing with my mentor (my husband), and praying, that I heard a small voice that said to me: “Keep Going.” I wrote this down on a pink sticky note, and put it on my PC monitor at work. I stared at that sticky note every day for 2 months until I landed my next career move: Business Services Coordinator in an academic college at my alma mater. I was happy. I found a great group of people, loved the work, loved the culture; and stayed there for 5 months.
“Only 5 months?!!” That’s exactly what I said to myself when I put in my resignation letter. Ultimately, I was confident in my decision to leave and pursue the next endeavor, because of a dream that I had, and a small voice that again spoke to me; and said: “You’re on the Good Path.” Those were the only words that I needed to hear to know that we were heading somewhere “good.” I am currently serving as the Diversity Coordinator for a medical school in Eastern North Carolina. I know my story and how I got here- and I wanted to share it with you too. Most times, we do not see the future from the beginning- but God does. God will set your feet on the right path, and tell you to Keep Going. Keep going: take a few stops along the way (in various job roles), but keep going until you reach your destination (your ultimate career). That’s where I am.
My journey of “DO” [do more than just dream] began when I started my master’s degree in 2015, and graduated from the program in 2017. I did my work. Now where was my harvest? Where were the fruits of my labor? When was I going to see it? I did not see it until nearly 2 years later (this year, 2019). This year has been my year of continued “DO.” I am no longer just dreaming, thinking of what could be- I am now chasing my dreams, chasing the aspirations that the Lord has laid in my heart- and going after what He wants me to have; going after what He has prepared for me, and what has been waiting for me: “A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth His steps.” Proverbs 16:9.
I am finally at a place where my talents, drive and ambition are now constantly being harnessed, into something wonderful that will touch the lives of many. My work here will be meaningful and impactful; and will have a positive lasting impression on others. It’s only week-one, and the Lord has me on this upward career trajectory that I never saw coming- and definitely not this early. I will embrace it. I will push myself. I will continue to dive outside of my comfort zone, and I will stay committed to the big vision.
GOOD WORK happens when GREAT PEOPLE are intentional about their duty in serving others, and their eager desire to see faculty, students, and their colleagues succeed. Instead of “aspiring to sit at a table where I have to bring my own chair,” (which believe it or not, I actually had to do once in a room full of women); my God has carved out a special seat for me- in a department that is expanding, and whose growth initiatives I get to pilot. If you let the Lord be your Pilot and your Captain, He’ll always make sure that special care is taken to help you rise to the occasion, and He’ll give you a special seat at the table :).
I heard a quote once that said, “God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” One week prior to being offered the Diversity Coordinator position, I had a dream where someone called my husband on the phone and he missed the phone call- the phone stopped ringing; he didn’t answer it in time. This has been interpreted for me and the season that I am in, to mean: “Do not miss the call[ing].” I got offered the position one week later- and I undoubtedly accepted. Answer His call today- recognize the good path that He has you on, and WALK THEREIN. You will not know everything upfront, but you WILL SEE it revealed to you along the way. He will put you in the right place, around the right people, and in the right timing.
What I am grateful for, is to be chosen for a responsibility and duty such as this. I will be partnering with diversity groups all across our university to enrich the appreciation of diversity at the medical campus, and facilitate educational programming for our students. I am so happy to have this opportunity to change the lives of many medical students, and begin some really impactful work.
Thank you to all of my new field mentors- I am thrilled about the ongoing and progressive work of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Whitney D. Wilson, MA
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