BE KIND: You never know who you’re sitting next to…
I work in education and I always tell my students to always
be kind to their peers. I encourage them to interact with everyone, not just
their clique. I learned this valuable lesson from my beloved mother, Beverly
Sims, who always told me and my sister to treat everybody right, because you
could be entertaining an angel. This jewel of advice came from a Bible
scripture, Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful
to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
From the day I started school I was a social butterfly. I
would talk to anyone with a pulse, and this behavior still holds true as an
adult. My best friend says I will even talk to a wall. Sounds a tad bit nuts,
but it’s true. I say all this to say, one should always be polite and kind to
others because you never know who you’re sitting next to.
Back in 1997, as a 7
th grader at Whittier Middle
School in Flint, Michigan, I had no control over the seating arrangement in Mr. Earl
Crowder’s math class.
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Whittier Middle School, Crapo St. Flint, MI |
I was a very studious student with an affinity for good
grades, good laughs and singing. Little did I know I’d be seated next to the
school’s resident rebel, Mr. JaQuavis Coleman. “Quavis” as we called him was
your typical middle school heartthrob: handsome, athletic, funny and bad as
hell! Due to his sense of humor and my love for talking, we became fast
friends. JaQuavis would have me cracking up every day from blazing on people to
him telling me who his next girlfriend was going to be. If you know me, you
know I laugh obnoxiously loud and so I got in trouble every damn day. JaQuavis
knew I could sing, so he would request for me to sing to him after I finished
my work. This too led to me getting into trouble. My punishment would be a writing
assignment from Mr. Crowder, dirty looks from Mr. Crowder and threats of
calling my mother from Mr. Crowder. My poor hand would be hurting and my nerves
would be shot! Quavis’ punishment was much harsher than mine, he would get his
classes closed or kicked out of class. However, none of this would stop us from
doing it all over again. Soon our middle school lives would be up and we would
enter high school; we remained friends throughout. Even though Quavis had a “reputation” that I
won’t get into, I never once judged him. He was just my friend who always made
me laugh and looked out for me if I was low on lunch money. Senior year Quavis
and I were both voted “Biggest Flirt”. I think that happened because we were
both kind to people, even to the not so cool kids, no matter what. People can
often take politeness the wrong way.
But, I digress. During our Senior year,
JaQuavis and I would share one last class together. That class would be DRAMA
class. Although we would hang out at lunch, at parties, or when I could convince
him to come to church with me, we hadn’t shared a class together since middle
school due to me being in the “gifted”
program. So we were both geeked to be reunited in class again. And guess
what? We sat next to each other. We were back at it again like we had never been
separated, cracking jokes, laughing and him telling me about his girlfriend at
the time, who would later on become his wife (Hey Ashley). Our teacher at the
time, couldn’t understand how a student like me could be friends with a student
like JaQuavis. Adults can be so petty sometime. Anyway upon graduating high
school administrators, teachers, and others pretty much had high expectations
for me. But what would become of Mr. Coleman, who had the world on his
shoulders and the odds stacked against him?
How about Mr. JaQuavis Coleman became
a New York Times Bestselling author, producer, screenplay writer and director
on they ass!!!!! I am glad to call JaQuavis my friend. I am glad Mr. Crowder
allowed us to sit next to each other.I’m glad my Mother taught me not to judge people and to be
kind to all those I encounter, because you never know who you could be
entertaining unawares. I happened to be entertaining a future mogul.
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Author/Director JaQuavis Coleman and I at his movie premiere "White House" is Dallas, TX |
JaQuavis isn’t my only successful friend, I could name about
100 more or so, but if you’re reading this I want you to understand the lessons
in this story:
Lessons:
1.
The Power of Networking- If at any time I call
one of my successful friends for a reference, a word of encouragement or to
help my students, they’re always down for the cause
2.
Friendship- Friendships can start at any point
in life. True friendship can always pick up where it left off; build
friendships with people from all walks of life
3.
Thou shalt not judge- Friendship may not always
fit the bill of a Huxtable kid, Accept people for who they are, not how the
world views them (including teachers and adults)
4.
Laughter- Always find a way to laugh
5.
Keep in touch- As we get older our lives become
busy, but always find a way to at least say HEY!
6.
SUPPORT- Always support your friends in their
endeavors!
Who knew that the kid I sat next to, who got me in trouble
would grow up take over the world?
A few of my Successful Friends/Family:
1.
Jon Connor- Rapper/Songwriter/Producer
on Aftermath @jonconnormusic (Instagram)
2.
Tonika Arline- University of Michigan-Flint
Rockstar of Admissions
3.
Kendra Cochran- Makeup Artist @kcofaces (Instagram)
4.
Tiffany Cole-Allen- Technical Designer/CEO of
Non-Profit Org: Fashion Focus Initiative
5.
Chuniq Inpower- NFL Players Association Digital
Content Manager/CEO Just Regular Girls
6.
Karhema Simon- A woman in S.T.E.M. that rocks!
7.
Quintisha “Molly” Burns- Fitness
motivator/Awesome Mom @napturalmolly
(Instagram)
8. Laneishia
Lamb- Fashion Designer/CEO Pretty Geeky
Bowtique @prettygeekybowtique
(Instagram)
9.
Trevon Davis-
Singer/Actor/Broadway Star @instagramtrevon
(Instagram)
1.
Pamela Balentine- Financial Guru/ Owner/CEO Viking Financial Services
1.
Keysa Smith- Owner/Chef Spectacular Spudz @spectacularspudz (Instagram)
1.
Brianna Grier- Owner D-Town Coney Island Dallas,
Texas @dtownconeyisland (Instagram)
1.
Kala Wilburn- Fashion Designer/Founder Vehicle
City Fashion Week @kalasantrese
(Instagram)
There’s more, but I’ll stop here
for now…
Til Next Time… Be Kind