Meet Trayon Henderson | Educator & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Trayon Henderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trayon, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in southeast Atlanta in Grady Homes Housing Authority. I was raised in a single-parent home by my mother, along with two younger sisters. Growing up in Grady Homes taught me the true meaning of dreaming big, fighting for what I want and deserve, and persevering through all obstacles I encountered, despite the negative perspectives of my environment. I am a resilient woman, striving to make my life, and the lives of my children, better each day.

As a product of the Grady Homes housing project, you would think the odds would be stacked against me. Fortunately, I had a very determined mother who had a strong belief in education. Considering she did not complete high school herself, she refused to allow me and my sisters to repeat the cycle of being a high school dropout. Throughout my adult life, I have gained a plethora of skills that will help me be more marketable in the business world. Helping others is my passion and one of my strengths. After experiencing life as a medical assistant, I decided to change directions and became a teacher, which is my greatest accomplishment, and it ultimately changed my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 2007, I took the biggest leap of faith and earned my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Mercer University. I am the first child and grandchild to earn an advanced degree in the family. I started my career in Griffin-Spalding County School System as a 5th-grade teacher at Anne Street Elementary School, and I had the pleasure of working in Griffin for 12 years, ultimately teaching 3rd – 5th grades. I was blessed to have worked with so many wonderful educators, but I am most proud of the growth I made under the leadership of my former principal, Mrs. Evelyn Jones. She inspired me to continue learning and growing. Currently, I serve as an Instructional Coach in the Rockdale County School System where I have the pleasure of supporting teachers as we work to increase the academic achievement, rigor, growth, and consistency of our scholars. Sometimes, it is hard to believe that I have dedicated 16 years of my life to this career, considering the numerous changes that have taken place in education, but I love what I do. I love making a difference in the lives of children, and as I stated before, I love helping others to maximize their own potential. Mrs. Jones would always quote Luke 12:48: “To whom much is given, much will be required”, and because so many people have poured so much into me and my children, it is my duty to pour back into them. Over the 16-year span, I have earned other advanced degrees, and in December 2022, I will receive my Educational Leadership certification, affording me the opportunity to seek leadership positions, such as Assistant Principal, in my school district.

My accomplishments were no easy task. I did not have a role model to explain how to apply for college, how to obtain financial aid, or how to take care of two children on a minimum wage salary. Everything I learned, I learned through trial and error. I made several mistakes along the way, but I never gave up despite being knocked down every time I turned around. The one consistent thing I had in my life to encourage me was my mother, and that got me through some really tough times, but she could not save me from everything. I found myself journaling to express my feelings. I am a survivor and a champion, overcoming domestic violence and broken relationships, which lead me to write and self-publish my first book “Love in All the Wrong Places: A Memoir”. Although I initially blamed my father for being absent and not showing me what real love was, I ultimately realized that love was always in me. No one will love you the way you want to be loved if you don’t love yourself first. I had to learn that the hard way, and it nearly cost me my life. I want the world to know that you can do and have anything you want in life, you just have to believe in yourself, be determined and persistent, and never give up or give in to the negativity that surrounds you telling you that you are not good enough or you can’t do something. I am more than a conqueror, and I am a true example of being raised in poverty does not dictate who you are and what you can accomplish.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room (Lunch and/or Dinner) Arizona’s Steak House (Lunch and/or Dinner)
The Works (Lunch and/or Dinner)
Olive Garden (Lunch and/or Dinner)
Long Horn (Lunch and/or Dinner)
The Cheesecake Factory (Lunch and/or Dinner)
Coaxum Low County Cuisine (Lunch and/or Dinner)
Atlanta Indoor Skydiving
Botanical Garden
Georgia Aquarium
World of Coca-Cola
Zoo Atlanta
Six Flags
Let’s catch a movie
Fox Theater
Karaoke Night at Mics
Atlantic Station
The Vinyl Atlanta (Let’s see my son performing)
Mercedes Benz Stadium (GO FALCONS!)
Stone Mountain Park
Helen, Georgia Cabins

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been so many people in my life that have made it possible for me to share a portion with you, which led to my transformation. To my two wonderful sons, Travis and Antwan, you two have always encouraged me beyond anything I could have ever imagined. You keep me going when everything around me has crumbled. I love you both more than I love myself. You two are truly my miracles sent from God. To my best friend and soulmate, Derrick P. Thank you for being my inspiration. Having you in my life has been the biggest blessing a girl could ask for. You make me feel complete in every sense of the word, and I thank God for placing you in my life at just the right time. I love you with every inch of my heart. Always have, always will. To my loving parents, thank you for giving me the gift of expression. For so long, it was hard for me to say what was on my mind, my heart, and my spirit, but through writing, I found my voice. Finally, to my friends. Thank you for encouraging me to take the steps to do what I enjoy doing so much. Thank you for believing in me when I did not believe in myself. You are an inspiration to me, and I will never be able to repay you for everything you have done for me.

Special Acknowledgement to the following self-publishing authors:
Malcolm Mitchell, Patrice Tealer, Dawn Smith, Chandra Gordon, Allison Adams, Terance Shipman, and Sophia Sharpe for being a blessing to me. Your words revived my passion for writing and allowed me to imagine a world of different possibilities. Your support is appreciated.

Website: https://trayonhenderson.wixsite.com/website?fbclid=IwAR3LB4kWS19Zjo1i0zW5PggJh53AcNXARapSXMMSbTkm4yM-AV_UXfB31sA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaveleasstories/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trayon-henderson-ed-s-a914a9181/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsTHenderson73

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaveleasStories

Other: Amazon Author’s Page: www.amazon.com/author/trayonhenderson