Today we’d like to introduce you to LaKendra Bass.
LaKendra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
From a very young age, I learned quickly that it was my desire to work with people, and learn the differences behind people. I was always so fascinated at the idea of my siblings and I being so different, despite being raised in the same home, with the same parents. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I would major in psychology when I went to college, and I did just that. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University in December of 2010 and went to pursue my Master’s Degree at Prairie View A&M University. It was during this time that I realized that before I could “figure out” other people, I would first have to “figure out” myself. I consider my time in this masters program as one of the most trying periods in my life. I figured out who I was.
After five long years, I finally received my Masters in Juvenile Forensic Psychology in August of 2015. Why juvenile? Well, the desire to reach the youth seemed to be instilled deep down inside. From the age of seven, I ran track and saw the impact that it had on my life, but also saw the impact that I was able to have on the lives of others. Why forensic? Oh, I saw so many classmates and friends get lost in the justice system, and not necessarily from the criminal perspective. In my mind, pursuing Juvenile Forensic Psychology was my way understanding what others went through, that didn’t have the support system that I had coming up.
While pursuing this master’s, I found myself working with a tutoring service and thats when the light bulb started to flicker. It was amazing to see the minds of children work, and the joy in their heart when the finally understood a concept was nothing short of miraculous to me. In the process of completing this Masters program, I moved back home to Dallas, where I soon discovered Americorps. I served with Americorps for two years with the program Reading Partners. It was then that I saw the true need in today’s society. It was disheartening to see that 5th-grade students were reading on a first-grade level, and were faced with the pressure of passing a state standardized test. I decided to challenge myself, and do the one thing I told myself I never would do, become a teacher. I started an alternative teaching certification program, all the while, I was still finishing my master’s degree program, while working a second job at the YMCA, and while completing my practicum hours to finalize the last stage of my program. I was exhausted day in and out but the idea that I could mold young minds pushed me each day. I received my certification and was on my way to my first year as a teacher.
The first year is the hardest they say, and I guess it was no different for me. I started teaching with no idea what to expect, I was a school that many would have considered being “THA HOOD” and had a class full of students that everyone said, “oh they can’t learn.” Truly a challenge indeed, but I MADE IT. I proved to myself that I could do it and didn’t stop there. By year three, I was serving a dual role as a 7th grade English teacher and the Grade Level Administrator. New challenges, New Opportunities.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
By no means was the road smooth sailing. As previously stated, it took me five years to complete a masters program that was designed to be completed in only two. I can remember waking up to go to work on a Monday morning, leaving at noon to drive to Prairie View for my class that was from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm biweekly. I would then leave class to drive an hour to a close friends house in Houston, who would let me sleep on her couch for the night. I would then get up at 4:00 am to drive back to Dallas to be at work by 8:00 am. I would work the full day, getting off at 3:30 and then head straight to the local YMCA for the after-school program OR I would leave work and head straight to Arlington to complete my practicum hours to fulfill my program requirements. My car got so many miles during this time period. Tired was a definite understatement. I learned to value time, I learned to prioritize and I learned that I had to take care of me. For other young women who are beginning their journey, I would say, begin with an end in mind. Before you start, have an idea of what you want to accomplish and push yourself. Diamonds only glisten after enduring much pressure, the victory is sweet after going through the fight. Believe in yourself even if no one else does.
What should we know about your business? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
There are so many things that I am proud of. I have challenged myself with Being Bold and took my first step in that direction as soon as 2019, graced us with its presence. I competed in The Royal International Miss Pageant, and have the honor of serving as Ms. Texas for 2019. If I can’t commit to overcoming my fears, I can never expect to teach anyone to overcome their fears. This year, I have shifted my focus from general classroom practices. I incorporated flexible seating in my class and my students love it, as do I. I have been recognized as Teacher of the year and I am looked to for having invigorating and interactive lessons that keep the scholars engaged. I pride myself on being unique. My students have pulled in top reading scores throughout the district on common assessments and are always looking to compete with the best. I have started my tutoring service, Education Thrives, where I am able to provide one to one assistance for struggling students. But amongst all things, I am most proud of one of my latest endeavors, of enrolling in my second Master’s program in Non-Profit Administration. I strive to create my own nonprofit, Serenity Unveiled, with a focus on Literacy, Recreation, and Wellness, to enhance the underprivileged communities. My ultimate goal is to eventually combine the practices of Education Thrives and Serenity Unveiled to create outlets on multiple levels for the youth of today. I want to give them the fighting chance that is so frequently taken from them based on their background and economical status. All children can learn, all children can excel in at least one area of life, all children need a cheer section rooting them on.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
There are opportunities galore for women. We just have to take the initiative to find them. Women are ideal candidates for role models, as we have so many youths who are lost and need someone to simply talk to. Women are strong and are valuable. They serve as excellent motives for change. I would like to be able to say that women are well positioned for solely one role, but I can’t bring myself to speak that, because women are capable of doing anything, from teaching to police, to attorney, to doctors, the list is endless and with an open mind, we will see growing numbers of women in all fields.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @educationthrives
Image Credit:
Brittany Cathacart, current students
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
