The Academic Journey of Dr. Joy Seymour

                                                    Photo Credit: Grad Images

I am very thankful to God and my support team that I have earned my EdD in Educational Leadership. My educational journey started many years ago in St Mary, Jamaica. My favorite courses were Language Arts, Mathematics, Health Science, History, and Religious Education. I loved all those subjects; however, my top two courses were Language Arts and Health Science. My love for reading books was significant in my life. Growing up in St Mary, I read hundreds of books as a child and teenager. During the nights, I completed my homework using kerosene oil lamps because we had no electricity in the house as a child. I grew up without indoor plumbing. We had an outhouse (latrine) and a detached kitchen. My home had running water when I was about 12 or 13. Despite what seems like an inconvenience now, I was happy living with my family, and I worked hard as part of the family and studied my schoolwork to be successful in passing the examinations that would qualify me to attend the Mico College University, where I studied Primary Education (Elementary Education). In Jamaica, I taught students in early childhood and primary education institutions.

After migrating to the United States (US), I literally restarted my educational journey. In the US, I completed the following academic programs: CNA: Certificate, Liberal Arts: AA, Practical Nursing: AAS, Registered Nurse: BSN, Nursing Education: MSN, and Educational Leadership: EdD. My academic journey was challenging; however, it was worth it. I am successful by the grace of God and lots of support from my family, relatives, friends, coworkers, church members, and professors. 

I am very grateful for the many opportunities I received in the US. I took each opportunity seriously and worked to the best of my abilities. There were times when I felt I would not be able to complete my degrees; however, I kept working to the best of my abilities at every task. During my academic journey, I experienced personal illnesses and had to help care for sick family members. I experienced the bereavement of seven relatives in 2021, and between 2021 and 2022, I lost three of my friends: One of my friends was like a sister to me. We grew up in the same district and lived near each other. Although I experienced grief, pain, and other stressors due to tiredness, illnesses, and sleeplessness, with the help of God and my support teams, I can say that I am an overcomer. Therefore, I give God all the glory and praise for what He has done for me. 

Lest I Forget: My 9/11 Reflection By: Joy Seymour, MSN, RN, PHN

Although 20 years has past, the reality of that fateful day, September 11, 2001, will be forever etched in my memory. My day started out like any other day with an early rising at about 5:00 AM. I said goodbye to my husband as he left for work, welcomed the children into my daycare, and waved goodbye to my daughter as she boarded the school bus for her almost hour-long ride to school. 

 At about 9:00 AM CST, I took the daycare children outside to play in the backyard, and as usual I took my first aid kit and my cordless phone, that was connected to my landline. The children were having a great time sliding on the slide that was attached to the activity gym and riding bikes on the driveway in the fenced backyard. 

 At about 9:15 AM the phone rang, and my husband was on the other side of the line. He sounded frantic and my heart started to beat fast, and I had to silently talked myself into calming down, so that I could find out the reason for the call. 

 I asked, "Are you okay?" 

 He replied, "Have you seen the news recently?" 

 "No, I have not seen the news. 

What happened?" 

 "An airplane crashed into one of the twin towers in New York." 

 "Oh my gosh, I cannot believe what you are saying, and I won't be able to watch the news until this evening." 

 "Okay, I just called to tell you this and I must go back to work now."

 "Thank you for calling me, see you later." 

 The news was shocking, and I could not believe that the news would be more devastating. As the children were being picked up by their parents, I got bits and pieces of that horrendous day. When I was able to sit down and watch the evening news, I could not believe that not only one airplane but two airplanes had crashed into the twin towers: One airplane into each tower. I saw desperate people jumped out of windows from the high-rise towers to their deaths, I saw thick cloud of black smoke and dust and firefighters running into a falling tower, and then I saw mangled steels among the mountain of concrete and other debris in the places were the majestic twin towers stood. 

 We loss some of the best citizens and residents of the United States on that fateful day. However, despite the trauma of that day, Americans were united in helping those who were impacted by that horrendous act. In the days and months after that vicious attack, we witnessed the best of humanity in this country. 

 The vicious attack did not only change the landscape of New York City, but changed the lives of all Americans, especially those who were directly impacted by that cruel act. 

 Today, as I reflect on that horrendous day, I salute the many heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice of dying while trying to save others and others who lost their lives in the twin towers, on United Flight 93, and at the Pentagon. I also salute the rescuers and others who served humanity with acts of kindness during that period. 

 May we never forget the people who lost their lives that day and and the families that they left behind. May we never witness this type of horrendous act on American soil again or anywhere in the world. May God bless this great country, the USA.

Moving Toward Healing from Decades of Systemic Racism

The untimely murder of Mr. George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hand of four Police officers, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have sparked protests and has reopened many old wounds that were caused by racial oppression. However, out of this bad situation, I can see the efforts of people trying to work together to have a better future for all people.

I have seen people from every race that is represented in Minnesota going out to protest against the killing of Mr. Floyd and the systemic racism that has negatively impacted people of color, especially Blacks.

Some of the unfair practices due to systemic racism include:

1. Noninclusive curricula in the school system which contribute to the gap in achievement for children of color
2. Underemployment of people of color
3. Overworking people of color more than other race of people who have similar jobs
4. Underpaying people of color
5. Incarcerating people of color at an higher rate and giving them stiffer sentencing when compared to the dominant group
6. The killing of unarmed black men 
7. Incarceration of children of color for misbehaving at school

The massive turnout of people that are protesting the senseless killing Of Mr. Floyd and the murder of other people of color is a move in the right direction. The unity of the people for justice for all is commendable. 

I have witnessed acts of kindness during this period of racial unrest. I have seen White people and Black people working together more than before. I have seen White people cooking and serving food during protesting. I have seen the coming together of many races working together for a better tomorrow.

Changes in policies in Minnesota include banning the use of chokeholds and require police officers to intervene against the use of unauthorized use of force and to report the officers who use unnecessary restraints. The University of Minnesota and the public school system have severed many decades of relationship with the police department. 

With all the recent changes we appear to be heading in the right direction with the hope of achieving  justice for all. I acknowledge that this is just the beginning of change and we have a very long way to go; however, I believe that the evidences of change that we have now indicate that working together can result in positive change. 

The Impact of Racism from an Immigrant Prospective

                                                                 

While growing up in Jamaica, I never heard anything negative about the United States (US).  All the stories that I heard about the US were positive ones. All the people I knew who came to this country to live would come back and tell us stories about their good life. They placed this country on a pedestal. I heard about the well-paved roads, the subway, the skyscrapers, the availability of jobs, affordable food and clothes, and the opportunity to attend college if you choose to attend one.

We could see the economic changes in the people who came to live in the US. People who could not afford to build a house and own a car could now have those necessities that were far-fetched before they came here. Not one time did I hear about racism in this country from the people who would come back to visit Jamaica. Based on what we were told about the US, many of us wanted the opportunity to come here.

Finally, my family and I had the opportunity to come to the US. My expectations were high coming here. I had a love for this country and the people long before I came here. My love for this country started from the positive stories that I heard about this great country. Therefore, can you imagine how devastated I was when my family and I experienced many actions of racism due to systemic racism in this country?

My family and I were racially profiled many times. I feared for my husband's life when police officers drew guns on him one night as he exited his car after reaching home from a 3-11 shift from his second job. I have been called the N-word in my own home by a white woman who claimed that she was seeking daycare for her child who called people this word. I have heard a teacher say that she could say that word in her class because of the course she teaches. I have been disrespected at work by patients and their families solely because of my skin color. I have been underpaid and overworked, although I was qualified for my job.

Over the years, I have bottled up all the feelings from living in a society that treats me and other people of color less than how they, the dominant group, treat themselves. In recent days of racial unrest, all the pent-up feelings came flooding to the surface. I feel traumatized by the systemic racism and the senseless killing of unarmed black men and women.

Has this country been good to my family and me? Absolutely. My family and I have thrived in this country. We can do things we would not be able to do in Jamaica. I will always love this country and its people; however, it is time for the leaders of this country to create policies that will serve all people. It is full-time to treat everyone with acceptance, compassion, and respect. The education, healthcare, and justice systems should benefit all people fairly. It is time for organizations to employ qualified people of color and pay them fairly. Our leaders must acknowledge that all people are humans and have similar fundamental needs.

I believe in this country and that the deep-rooted pain caused by systemic racism will be acknowledged, and policies will be created and implemented to serve all people. I believe people of color will be accepted and heard just like the dominant group. I think that this great country will do what is suitable for all citizens so that the future of everyone will be brighter and better.

May God bless the United States of America!

Navigating Life During Perilous Time

Life as we know it, just a few months ago, is now a part of the history book. Some simple events that some people took for granted are now coveted events. Previously, people were able to go to the store, the gas station, and the movie theater without thinking about getting sick. People were free to visit families, relatives, and friends at anytime of the day. Going to the lake was an enjoyable pastime for many people. People would packed the beaches without thinking about getting sick or dying.

Since COVID-19 landed on our shores, life is no longer how we knew it. This pestilence has wreaked havoc on humans and the economy. Thousands of precious lives have been loss and thousands more had been sick due to this deadly pestilence.

To protect precious lives, states implemented Stay-at-Home orders to help prevent the spread of the virus. Social distancing was recommended and in some places enforced to help saved lives. Many people were laid off from their jobs, for the preservation of life.

Since the isolation and quarantine periods, some reports have shown spiked in mental health disorders and domestic violence.

Despite the fact that life is not what it was and may never return to what it was, this time can be a time for personal reflection, for setting goals and action plans, and for improving oneself, whether by reading inspirational books, or enrolling in a course. Check the internet for discounted courses that you are interested in pursuing.

To help you get through this time, you may find it rewarding to stay connected with family and friends via social media such as Face-time, Microsoft Team, and Zoom.

Enhancing your spirituality through praying and reading the Word of God can help to build one's faith and courage to face these uncertain days.

During this time, take care of yourself and your family. If you need help, reach out to someone. You do not need to go through this time alone. There are many resources available in each state. A search of the internet can yield information such as the contact information for the suicide hotline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. Stay safe and be kind to yourself and others.

When COVID-19 Attacks Your Family

The world is suffering from the impact of COVD-19. People are dying, losing their jobs, and getting sick from this dreaded virus. The ramifications of this virus have touched people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic status. The news of the sufferings and sacrifices that people are making have bombarded our living rooms.

Everyday, the news bring to us the positive and more so, the negative news about COVID-19. We see the tears of the many people who are affected by this pandemic disease. We listen to the needs of the healthcare workers and the other essential workers who are selflessly toiling to serve others. We stay in our homes and we empathize and at times cry for and with people who are overwhelmed and devastated by this destructive disease.

Despite the virtual connections that you may feel with the people who are affected by this pandemic, believe  me when  I say that you will feel far more emotions if COVID-19 visits your house and has  affected you or a family member. Emotions may be like a rollercoaster. With highs and lows. Here are some emotions that people may feel: Hope and hopelessness, happiness and sadness, faith and fear, anger, anxiety, guilt, shame, happiness, gratitude, frustration, peace, and loneliness. However, if you place your trust in God hour by hour, minute by minute, and second by second, you can have peace in the midst of COVID-19.

Recently, COVID-19 has affected a very close family member of mine. I must tell you that the news was devastating at first,  and the reason why we have our sanity is because of our faith in God. We prayed and trusted God’s words to carry us through each day, and I am happy to report that my family member is recovering well and is now  free from symptoms.

If you and your family are suffering from this pandemic, I highly recommend that you put your faith in God, follow the directions of your healthcare providers, treat your symptoms, and focus your energy on reading God’s words and other inspirational books.

My prayer for you and your family is that God will protect you and keep you safe during this perilous time. May you be healed if you are sick. May you be comforted if you have loss loved ones, and may you received provision if you are experiencing lack. If you are an essential worker, I pray that you will be protected in your going out, on the job, and in your going in. May the healthcare workers receive all the resources that they need to protect themselves and their patients. May you be abundantly blessed, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Amanda's Story

Amanda was excited to leave her old company to work at the new company that opened in town six months ago. She was excited to start her new position as senior human resource manager. She had worked in human resource for over twenty years before accepting this position. She had gone into the office to ensure that she had all the supplies that she needed to efficiently perform her job.

Amanda woke up at 5:00 AM to get ready for her job that started at 7:00 AM. The ride to work was pleasant. There were only a few vehicles on the road that early in the morning. There were many parking spaces when she reached work because most of the employees start work at 8:00 AM.

At work on the first day, Amanda was trying to locate files of employees to ensure that they were updated and she was unable to locate more than 50 percent of the files. She looked electronically and in file cabinets and was unable to locate the records.

Unfortunately, she was unable to speak to the previous employee, who held the position that she has now, because he left suddenly due to personal reasons. Her excitement for the job was waning by the minute as she found out that there were so many missing documents and unfinished tasks in the office.

Despite the many undone tasks in the office, Amanda set out to try and tackle the humongous tasks. However, after almost two years of trying to tackle the huge job in the office, Amanda was not close to having the needed paperwork completed.

Her job was constantly made more difficult by all the changes in the company and by additional work sent to her by managers from other departments.

Due to the constant stress of her job, she is experiencing stress related illnesses such as headache and insomnia.  Based on her job situation and the impact on her health, Amanda will have to make a decision soon to choose either her health or her job.