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(Disclaimer: This is not my graphic)
Shimmering soil, fruitful clouds, and a beautiful, beaming sun washing over the delicate shades of brown. There are suns and moons, the sun is a guiding light to nourish the spirit of its children, and the moon is an ambitious, gentle whisper in the night. The teacher of "Like a Boss," Megan Truman, is the sun of her universe as she is the embodiment of fostering a sustainable future, giving back the love she's received and preparing the next generation of leaders through her course. Truman is a Leo, represented by the lion, notoriously referenced to the sun since they garner the attention of all. She is the ultimate lioness leading her pack (students) to be the main character of their universe by continuously learning, whether non-profit community work or marketing and communications. Words Beats & Life (WBL) has the privilege of hosting Truman as one of their artist teachers at the WBL Academy, where she teaches her students how to learn and own a business. Truman's initial signing to WBL felt like a "match made in heaven" due to her love for the team and the platform that continues to grow bigger and bigger. Megan Truman, you are an artist in your own right; don't you forget it!
Truman comes from a long history of academics as a self-taught teacher. She started her formalized professional career in South Africa, where she learned her students' language and taught them different cultural customs, such as the oppressor's language. "I had a young girl who wanted to be a fashion designer, and in a country where that's not considered a profession for young people growing up. And, like, you're a fashion designer but also a business owner. And I wanna make sure you can make a profit from your designs. And I'm going to validate your paper vest, and I'm going to wear it across the classroom," Truman recalled. Her experience with this young girl opened up a new perspective on entrepreneurship. Truman discovered that the proper approach to starting a business is lending support, even if that means showing it visually. Her goal is to instill love and support in her students to boost their confidence in their businesses and shine more than a million suns. Truman knew that working with WBL would give her the platform she desired to teach her course about being a "boss" through nurturing, guidance, and love. Those components are a part of her movement toward having a solid foundation for her future as an entrepreneur.
The lioness may be the backbone of the pack, but she needs her gentle love and care too. Truman went to a school with very little representation of Black girls and boys. Many of her middle school days felt alienated, but she was very fortunate to have had Black administrators who cared for her deeply and nourished her to be the sun she is. Truman had a very notable figure, Ms. Bradshaw, who was one of her administrators that influenced her to be a teacher. "It wasn't many of us, and I think four or five of us. We spent Valentine's Day together, and she wrote hand messages to us- I actually kept one of her messages," Truman said. Ms. Bradshaw gathered the few Black girls of the school and treated them to sterling silver bracelets, hand-written messages, and a bit of candy (not much) to show that she saw them, loved them, and cared so much for them. This experience embarked on an unforgettable core memory, and Truman instantly wanted to give that to Black children, too, especially Black girls. So her mission is to encourage her students by supporting their crafts and making sure they feel seen, heard, and loved as Ms. Bradshaw made her feel.
"Like a Boss" is a lifestyle that runs deeper than the Mississippi river. Truman's passion for wanting Black and Brown children to win stems from choosing the best curriculum. She traveled to many places, as stated in South Africa, and learned many methods and ways of connecting with her young people. "I'm a learner for life. I believe in any interaction that I am in with other people, and I'm hoping that they're also learners for life as well," Truman said. She believes in teachable moments. Teaching works both ways, whether it's communicating with an un-homed person or other collaborators. She will not invade anyone's space and asks for permission to lend a hand to someone who wants it. Truman understands the importance of collaboration because, as a solo creator, she believes she is not solely a creator. She is constantly collaborating with her surroundings by detaching herself from her phone to give herself a moment to pause. She emphasizes for her students to reach peace with nature or creators to collaborate with nature to build an abundant living for generations to come.
Megan Truman is not prideful, selfish, or regretful. She's the lioness that rose to raise a new generation of suns to spread their light. Truman believes we're all meant to stand by our purpose, and working with WBL as an educator is a step in creating spaces. "You can be the CEO of your own life, but also, you don't have to be codependent on the system or the systemic barriers," Truman stated. She wants to see her students not fear what will try to hold them and their creativity back because the world needs them in it. Truman is the sun we always want to look at, look for, and appreciate in all of her beauty.
To find the article on WBL's website: Click here
Warm Wishes,
Sabrina
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