Social inequality: a term that did not resonate with me in my early 20s to late 20s. A concept that most have heard of, few understand- or can withstand confronting-, and even less take measurable action to correct. After witnessing the plight of so many, both domestic and abroad- those marginalized individuals lacking privileges that many of us take for granted- I decided that I had reached an inflection point, not only in my career, but in my life: continue down my current path of making a multi-billion dollar company an additional billion or redirect my ambition towards a path where I can directly impact the lives of others and contribute to lessening the level of inequality prevalent in many facets of US society- economically, socially, medically, and educationally.
To know where you are going, you must understand where you have been. In my adulthood, I have lived a life not dictated by my own terms, but predicated by a path that society paved for me. I received the advanced degrees. I landed the well-paying, stable job. I bought the house. All of these “accomplishments,” but still, I was hollow inside- numb to my “self”- and was reluctant to take an introspective approach to fully understand and define my “self” for fear of being ostracized by society. Slowly, in an indefinite, lifelong process that I continue to trek, I explored my thoughts and shaped my life into a vision not molded by society, but by myself. This vision included becoming more selfless, ceasing to attain superficial goals, and finding ways to make a direct impact on society and the lives of others. A notable quote from Emerson’s essay on Self- Reliance encapsulates my perspective on life and my voyage into education: “The voyage of the best ship is a zigzag line of a hundred tacks. See the line from a sufficient distance, and it straightens itself to the average tendency. Your genuine action will explain itself, and will explain your other genuine actions.” My voyage into education is not random, but rather the result of a series of both internal and external life events and decisions. Uncalculated and myopic decisions such as changing majors as a freshman from pre-dental to business administration due to sheer laziness and succumbing to my first challenge. Events such as experiencing one of life’s most damning realities- that no person is immune to the inevitability of death and sickness, even that of a best friend or loved family member. These occurrences have the habit of altering one’s course of life; trying this or that in hopes of finding meaning. It is these types of events that can mature a person and force them into that introspective state where they are not so much trying to find meaning, but give meaning to their life; a life dedicated to others. By working in the education sector, I will be able to directly impact and positively influence future leaders of the world; my capacity to make a positive change in such a vital sector necessary to lessening our social inequities will be realized. From an educational perspective, there are many underserved or mis-served communities in the USA and the world, so if I can be part of the new wave of talent that can correct some of these injustices, then professionally, I will be fulfilled. I am also hoping that my actions will encourage other talented individuals- especially black individuals- from the private sector to transition to the education sector where the need is high, but the supply is low. --Tosin Okunoren
0 Comments
|
AuthorContributors as cited ArchivesCategories |