Wendy Wilson is the Director of Minority Advising and the ACE Fellowship Program Coordinator at Darton College in Albany, GA. We first met when I was speaking at Darton. Very quickly it became obvious that we had something in common—we were both determined to help people be successful. She and the students loved me, so she decided to book me for another engagement right on the spot. We’ve been friends ever since.
For the past several months I’ve been working on a series called 5 Qualities of Good Women that Could Make a Man Better. So, when I was talking to Wendy recently, I refused to pass up the opportunity to take a peek inside of her mind.
Al "The Inspiration" Duncan: Think of some of your good female students. What are some of the qualities they embody that can help all students out?
Wendy Wilson: I think they understand that education is not only on an academic level. Not so much on a classroom-teacher-student exchange. That it’s much broader and they understand that the best education that they will ever receive starts with them. They tend to be very engaged with folks outside of the classroom; understanding the overall importance of networking and being major contributors in the community.
AD: Can you sum up their philosophy about their education in one word?
WW: Accountability.
AD: What about your top male students?
WW: Let me see…how do I word this? With many male students they don’t get it right off the bat. My better male students are typically non-traditional students. They’ve experienced the world and realize that they can accomplish more and that the educational pursuit is something that no one can take away from them. So, [my top male students] tend to be older before they grasp the importance of their education.
AD: So is it simply a matter of maturity?
WW: Certainly.
"And just raise your standards or in some cases just develop some."
AD: Think of a great woman that you admire. Who comes to mind?
WW: Dorothy Height.
AD: Give me 3 qualities about Dorothy Height that could make, not only a man better, but the average woman better as well.
WW: Okay. Certainly I would have to say endurance. She reflected that throughout her many years; remaining committed to the cause. And she also strikes me as a very patient woman. How many did you want me to give you?
AD: Three. If you can think of one more that would be great. If not, those two are powerful.
WW: Certainly, she has high intellect.
AD: How could the average man develop more endurance?
WW: In regards to advice to men, I would say to become more centered and focused. And establish some goals. Certainly my concern right now, particularly with young African-American men, is that they need to look beyond their immediate world because sometimes their immediate circles are so low…
AD: Hmmm…
WW: …that they don’t know that there are other things they can seek and attain that will enrich and develop their lives. And so, just stop living in the world of immediacy, get centered, grounded, and from there begin to plan your life.
AD: Stop living in the world of immediacy, huh?
WW: Yes. And just raise your standards or in some cases just develop some. (laughter)
AD: (Laughter) I definitely consider you to be a good woman; a great woman. So, give me a defining characteristic about yourself.
WW: Oh, wow…hmmm…I would have to say that I’m constantly seeking growth and knowledge.
AD: How would some one cultivate that quality? How does one develop the discipline necessary to seek growth and knowledge?
WW: I think you have to get to a state where you’re seeking understanding of self.
AD: Can you expound on that?
WW: Come to peace with who you are at whatever juncture it is in life, plan accordingly, and strive to do better. Don’t berate or belittle yourself because you feel like you should be at another stage. Just come to an understanding of what circumstances brought you to that stage in life and embrace it for what it is. Then the journey begins in terms of the creator and you moving beyond that moment.
AD: Thanks for the wisdom, Wen. It’s been a pleasure as always.
WW: It certainly has been. Any time, Al, any time.
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