3 minute read
WID-WID-WIDI
WID-WID-WIDI: Why I Do, What I Do, Where I Do It
Gwen Barjon, Director of Innovation
Gwen Barjon
Director of Innovation/Science
I joined the St. Philip’s family in 1990 as a parent of a preschool student. Little did I know at the time, that it would become such an integral part of my life and that of my immediate and extended family. Now in my fifth role at St. Philip’s, I have a diverse perspective of the impact that we make as servants here. I’m convinced that our mission stands true and is reflective of service that extends beyond the school walls.
In short, Why I Do, What I Do, Where I Do It (St. Philip’s) is because:
• It’s acceptable and encouraged to praise the
Living God. • I want children to have positive experiences, like I had as a child. • I want children to receive an excellent education. • I am allowed adequate autonomy and ability to raise the bar as I see fit. • The rewards of being part of this village are evident. • St. Philip’s is a dynamic, ever-growing, everchanging beacon of hope, love, and service. • I strongly believe that if we remain true to our mission, St. Philip’s will be ‘showered’ beyond our imaginations or plans, and I want to be around to witness it.
IV Amenti
Early Childhood Spanish Teacher and Dance Instructor
Imagine for a moment that you had been working as an independent artist for several years and were in the midst of the largest contract of your career. One where you could financially smile and relax for the next two years while doing the work you love in a community in desperate need of a positive impact. And then…you get a call, and the voice on the other end says that all incoming contracts have been frozen, most notably, yours. You don’t know what you are going to do about the next month of your life, let alone the two years you were counting on being abundantly covered.
That was me, and in that moment of darkness, where my safety nets were pulled out from under me, I smiled (a forced smile, but a smile nonetheless) and I said, “God, I wonder what you’re going to do next?” God took me to His house, to do His specific work, with His children; in a place of culture, spirit, rigor, and Black excellence. I asked the Most High a question and undoubtedly got the answer.
So, why do I do, what I do, where I do it? Because St. Philip’s caught me when I plunged into a test of my own surrendered faith. No one knew why I needed this place so much, and to be honest, neither did I. Each person here gives my talents purpose and a place to flourish. The challenges here have never outweighed the smiles and the joy. This place…is a place…where life is surely good, and I am glad to be in this number. Dear God, what a most perfect answer! I give thanks.
Jacqueline Andrews
4th Grade Teacher
I was blessed to have grown up in a family with very high expectations. I put forth great effort to meet those expectations and become my best self. I therefore have high expectations of my students. I enjoy sharing new information with students, creating situations that allow them to learn, and seeing the joy that comes with discovering something new. St. Philip’s allows me to be creative and find unique ways to challenge students.
To sum it up, I serve at St. Philip’s because it is an amazing place to teach young children and to work with other educators in a Christian environment. St. Philip’s is a part of my family. I also teach at St. Philip’s because I see the sense of African-American pride in my own children, who are alumni of the school, and in others that was developed and nurtured here. I want to work to instill self-confidence, pride, and excellence in other children.
