We are very excited to welcome FUL’s new High School Program Coordinator, Serina Jamison! As a way to introduce Serina, we asked her a few questions:
1. What has you most excited about joining the FUL Family?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my personal and professional life is the importance of building authentic relationships. Relationships, an essential step in establishing trust, makes working towards a common goal possible. With that said, I am most excited about getting to know all members of the FUL Family and building lasting connections with colleagues, parents, and students as we support youth in their academic and social development. When I attended a donor appreciation event, it was clear that the FUL Family values equity and provides a space for students to be their authentic selves. I saw the joy on everyone’s faces when students spoke to community members about their work with FUL and their plans for the future. It was invigorating.
2. What are some significant leadership components you are looking forward to showcasing with our high school Fellows?
I have dedicated nearly a decade of my life to teaching and learning from the students who have graced my classroom. With my experience working alongside youth, I am looking forward to showcasing the necessity of life-long learning in ensuring personal growth and development. Additionally, I am a proponent of reflection and emotional intelligence in everyday practice to inform decisions. My roles as a teacher coach, facilitator, and school administrator taught me that an effective leader has a clear vision/purpose, structure, and the support of the community to achieve said vision/purpose. Illustrating these components to students will aid our work in pursuing their personal purpose.
3. Who inspires you and your work as a leader in the world of education?
My nieces, nephews, and hundreds of former students inspire me to work as a leader in the world of education because I know with love and support, the youth will make the world better - for themselves and others.
4. If you had to tell FUL families one thing to expect from you in this role, what would it be?
As an educator, I continuously strive to develop my students spoken and written voices. I challenge them to question the worlds around them to be agents in their transformation. I support students in their journeys of self-discovery, pushing them to be their authentic selves in a society that works tirelessly to pull students from their purpose. Leveraging our children’s existing talents and skills while challenging them to think critically is important to strengthen their ability to make informed choices, their choices.
