Not many people know that I stepped away from the news business for a brief stint at the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. While I was there, I led the YMCA Black Achievers Program, the same program that was responsible for helping me secure my scholarship to college. At its core, the BA program exposed Black students to career fields and helped them prepare for college.
While I do not recommend starting a new position the same day you start grad school while raising two kids, I must admit that my time there was eye opening. I can also admit that I learned more from the kids than I ever taught them. I smile whenever I see them thriving.
Just this week, as I was walking through the office, I stopped to smile when I saw Marcus Bagwell Jr. delivering the weather forecast on WKRN. He is one of many Achievers who are doing amazing things throughout the community. While I take no credit for their success, I hope that I impacted their journey in some small way the same way Saturdays at 9am at the Chestnut Street YMCA impacted mine.
Neysa Taylor is communications strategist, visionary leader, and transparent author. As Senior Manager - Communications for a global brand, Neysa is tasked with leading strategic communications for two company Vice Presidents.