One of the most pivotal moments in my life was the day I entered into the classroom of Ms. Aston, now known as Dr. Gloria Aston-Baynes. I transferred from Salnave Elementary School to Robert Reid Elementary School, a lab school on the campus of Eastern Washington University.
Dr. Aston-Baynes was my first African American teacher. Prior to moving to Cheyney, Washington, my family had moved all over the southwest to include California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. In most of the schools I attended, there were never any teachers who looked like me. Initially, I had some fear because I didn’t know what to expect and if there would be added pressure due to our common ethnicity.
Dr. Aston Baynes fostered an environment in which excellence was expected and rewarded for all students. She pushed us to do our best and the school structure allowed us to go as far and fast as we wanted. While in her class, I was the 4th grade school spelling bee champion and won the District Spelling Bee. I also represented the school district at the Regional Spelling Bee coming in second.
By the end of the school year, all of my course work was years beyond the 4th grade level. I was on the 7th grade level for math, 8th grade level for social studies and science, and 9th grade level for Language Arts. Based upon the nurturing of Dr. Aston Baynes, I was recommended to be advanced to the 7th grade. My mother had concerns about my ability to socialize with older children skipping two grades so I was advanced to 6th grade and placed in the Gifted and Talented Program.
My family left Cheyney midway through the 6th grade leaving the west coast and moving all over the east coast in a chaotic nomad lifestyle. In the span of two years, we lived in New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
I was eventually told to drop out of high school in the 11th grade in order to work and pay household expenses. I eventually joined the U.S. Navy and served for 13 years. While on active duty, I obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Columbia College. I left active duty and attended The Florida State College of Law and have been a practicing attorney for the last 23 years.
Every step of my journey I have used the standard provided by Dr. Aston Baynes as my guide. Study hard, ask questions, be prepared and strive for excellence. These simple rules have been the bedrock of my success. Anyone who has met me over the years has heard me speak of Dr. Aston Baynes and her impact on my life.
Some years ago, I was able to reconnect with Dr. Aston-Baynes and we would converse over email. While I thanked her for her contribution to my life via email, it never felt like it was enough. When I found out she was receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the YWCA, I knew this could be the moment to bring my gratitude full circle. I wanted to provide thanks in person for giving a poor black boy hope and a foundation for excellence. My wife, having heard me speak of my 4th grade teacher fondly, understood why I needed to attend the ceremony.
Most people don’t realize it only takes a moment to provide a catalyst for lifelong change. Dr. Aston-Baynes provided the spark which has sustained me from being the holder of a GED to attaining a JD, successful lawyer and motivational speaker.
Recognizing people who have been instrumental in your life’s journey helps to solidify all of the time and energy they have sacrificed to make a difference.