Meet Clayton Barksdale | Educational Consultant
We had the good fortune of connecting with Clayton Barksdale and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Clayton, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks can bring about several benefits, including personal growth, professional development, and the potential for meaningful achievements. One notable example that highlights the significance of taking risks is the poem “The Man in the Arena” by Theodore Roosevelt. In this poem, Roosevelt emphasizes the value of daring greatly, pursuing aspirations, and pushing boundaries.
By taking risks, I developed resilience and courage as I confronted challenges and uncertainties. Just as the poem emphasizes the courage of the “man in the arena” who dares greatly, taking career risks instilled bravery and fortitude, and it allowed me to face adversity with determination and tenacity. I failed more times than I care to admit but I kept preserving until I achieved the goal.
Taking risks made me step outside my comfort zone to seek professional and personal growth. Similar to the lines in the poem that describe “the great enthusiasms, the great devotions,” taking risks can lead to new skills, experiences, and perspectives, opening doors for continuous learning and development. I’ve learned that career risks often present opportunities for innovation and creativity. Like the “man in the arena” who “strives valiantly,” individuals who embrace risks may find themselves in positions to innovate, introduce new ideas, and challenge the status quo, driving progress and growth in their careers and industries. I would like to think I’ve done so.
What should our readers know about your business?
The West Mississippi Education Consortium stands out from other organizations through its unique focus on addressing the impact of fatherlessness and promoting educator development through social and emotional learning. Unlike typical educational consulting businesses, our nonprofit is dedicated to raising awareness about the significant societal issue of fatherlessness and the critical role of emotional intelligence in education.
Overcoming challenges has been a key part of our journey. We have navigated obstacles by fostering partnerships with community stakeholders, engaging in extensive research, and implementing innovative strategies to promote the well-being of students and educators alike. By leveraging a combination of evidence-based practices and collaboration, we have developed effective approaches to tackle the multifaceted issues of fatherlessness and educator development in the context of social and emotional learning.
Our nonprofit’s work is essential due to the profound impact it has on the well-being of individuals and communities. By emphasizing the importance of father involvement and integrating social and emotional learning into education, we are addressing critical gaps in support for students and educators. Through our efforts, we are striving to create a more caring, inclusive, and supportive environment for the next generation, ultimately shaping a brighter future for our communities.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to extend my deepest appreciation and recognition to the many fatherless students that I have had the privilege of teaching. Their strength, resilience, and determination have inspired me to bring awareness to the profound impact of fatherlessness. Their unique stories and experiences have shed light on the challenges faced by fatherless children, and their unwavering commitment to learning and growth serves as a testament to their incredible spirit. I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for awareness and support for fatherless children, and it is their courage and perseverance that have fueled this important cause. Thank you for teaching me the importance of understanding and addressing the impact of fatherlessness in our communities.
Website: www.westmsec.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-barksdale-ed-d-2ba766155/
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