MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher
Be A Blessing
Kimberly Sims (Lil Bit)
Farmers will tell you that every planted seed may not yield a return. When the fruits of your labor blossom, you can’t help but feel proud. Which brings me to my truth. Dorothy Gentry was my first journalism intern in 1989. The first of many who have come behind her, that University of North Texas student was talented and a quick learner. Then there was Diva (aka Trina Terrell), the young intern who walked up to me at a National Newspaper publishers Association reception in 1990 and told me she wanted to be a journalist. I invited the 14-year-old to join me at the Dallas Weekly for her Spring break and I gave her the same instruction that I had given Dorothy, who today is an educator and a sports editor who has the November 27, 2020
Trina Terrell-Andrews (Diva)
terview, she spoke matter-of-factly about the work of the Center. She told about thousands of citizens who were fed thanks to funding by The Mark Cuban Foundation, The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, The Heroes Foundation and North Texas Food Bank. Poised and well-prepared, it wasn’t the first time I heard Diva talking about the great works and the many lives touched by the Center. She skillfully shared the message and mission of the Center. Recently I participated in one of a gazillion Zoom calls and I watched Lil Bit (aka Kim) at work. She was well-prepared, organized and confident. She led with grace and authority, empowering those on the call while encouraging them to move to action. I was impressed. Actually I was speechless, sitting in awe
respect of those she covers and works with. In a conversation with Dallas MAVs CEO Cynt Marshall, this summer, I was beaming with pride as she praised the second-generation journalist. After all, she is the daughter of the legendary journalist, Clarence H. Gentry. And I didn’t cut Diva any slack as an intern. Then when the Summer came Diva stayed on, joining others including Texas Woman’s University’s Kimberly Sims who rounded out the team of hard-working, enterprising, attentive, interns who wanted to learn and grow. Fast forward 30 years later and today these ladies are seasoned professionals. Earlier this year, Diva was named CEO of Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center. Last week, during an in-
I MESSENGER
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as I watched how masterfully she conducted the meeting. I was full! Over the years I have benefited from great mentors. I’ve also learned from my mentees! I’m not saying that I’m the reason these ladies are successful; not by any stretch of the imagination. But, if I had a little influence, I am so happy. Interestingly, I see a little of me in each of the young ladies. Actually I think they are better than I am, and that’s a good thing. They’ve gotten advanced degrees, held and hold leadership positions, balanced careers and families, and they continue to grow. Even more important for me; they help others. Mentoring is not easy. The rewards are great. I believe everyone, no matter their age, benefits from mentoring. I also believe that we should all lift as we climb, bringing along others with us. Sadly, too often too many slip through the cracks. During a time when folks are reassessing their futures, I hope many will think about the positive impact they can have if their future includes helping others; being to someone what they wish someone had been, or is, to them. Talk about something to be grateful for! myimessenger.com