Episode 2 Extras
Episode 2: Pivoting to Bigger & Better
Leslie’s pivot from teaching to medical school at age 36 and Angella’s move from the familiar to the unknown, with 3 young children in tow.
Leslie’s Bigger & Better Pivot
The young dreamer that Mr. Reiner dismissed
In Episode 2 of Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn, Leslie shared that her desire to become a medical doctor started when she was a child. She ended her career in teaching because her heart wasn’t in it to the level that she believed her students deserved. There’s a childhood story of hers that just hit me as I prepared to write this blog entry. I’ve gotta tell you about it so you can see why the irony is both shocking and inspiring.
Years before we met, Leslie had had an elementary school teacher named Mr. Reiner. I only know about him because he has been referred to often over all these years both as a symbol of the lasting harm that can be caused when a teacher/adult/person in power recklessly labels a child and also as inspiration; knowing that your dreams have power even when haters hate. Mr. Reiner warned her friends that they would be better off staying clear of her, she was trouble and he wanted better for them.
Nevertheless, she persisted.
So the little girl became a teacher but understanding (perhaps remembering) the harm that an uncommitted and shallow teacher could cause, she ended that chapter to pursue the childhood dream that never faded. Medical school started at age 36 and after 8 years of tough decisions, a supportive village and dedication, she is now an amazing anesthesiologist. It is her calling. I’m in awe of her…daily.
Angella’s Bigger & Better Pivot
My children’s father and I built our beautiful house on a hill. We enjoyed getting the Sunday NY Times Home section, driving through neighborhoods and visiting model homes. We knew exactly what we wanted, saved diligently and with both of us in IT, it didn’t take too long to buy our first home.
What I didn’t realize is that he was into the chase, not in the enjoyment and togetherness that a home brings. I remember our first night there, I was about 8 months pregnant with our first, exhausted but excited. His sights were already on buying our next home in Florida.
I get it. I’m a Jamaican immigrant. High ambition is to be a personal desire and what one looks for in a partner (and he also looked damn good in a suit, as they say). But it seemed that worth to him came from what he could check off a list, including having a beautiful woman wearing a big ring, on his arm. Living in joy with his achievements eluded him, so one by one, he lost them all.
My children were 8, 6 and 1 when I moved us 5 states south to a new home that I knew God had already prepared for me. On the drive down, we visited Leslie who was doing her residency in Maryland. The children were soothed. She has a way of doing that.
Arriving to our new home was better than I could’ve imagined: welcoming neighbors ready to help and their children ready for 3 new friends.
After a fun vacation to The Bahamas to refresh our spirits, we planted roots in our new house and made it home.
