Mentors make a difference
Imagine being a high school student preparing for your future when suddenly all that you have goes up in flames. That’s what happened to Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew (pictured). At a time when she should have been hanging out with friends, preparing for the SAT or shopping for a homecoming gown, Froswa’ and her family were trying to return to normalcy after being displaced as a result of a house fire.
“I remember our family moving in with different relatives since we could not stay in our house,” Froswa’ said. “During that time, I started to lose my hair from the stress.”
The stress took a toll on Froswa’, but she continued to stay motivated in school. Luckily for Froswa, there was an amazing teacher, Ms. Settlemire, who ttook an interest in her and saw enormous potential.
“I was involved in a number of extracurricular activities, but she thought I should become a part of student government. She encouraged me to run for secretary of the student body and I did,” Froswa’ said.
“Ms. Settlemire went above and beyond her job description as a teacher and became a mentor to Froswa’. “She encouraged me and thought I could do anything. She recommended me to participate in a wonderful camp and when I went to college, I came back as a counselor. This camp was a wonderful experience but it also helped me to meet some amazing people that were instrumental in my early adult life.”
More than 25 years later, Froswa’ and Ms. Settlemire are still in touch via social media. “She did not care about my race or background; she saw my potential and invested in me. I am thankful to her and many others who sowed into my life.”
Ms. Settlemire’s intuition was spot on. Froswa’ is now a successful professional, author and social entrepreneur. She works as a national community engagement director for World Vision’s U.S. Programs and is a recent graduate of Antioch University with a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change. Additionally she is the CEO and founder of Soulstice Consultancy and author of “Rules of Engagement: Making Connections Last.”
Follow Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew on Twitter at @Froswa.
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