"Interviewing Inspiration: Three Questions to a Role Model" By Jason Meeks, LAUSD
April 27, 2025
I completed my senior capstone project "Interviewing Inspiration: Three Questions to a Role Model" by asking for an interview of an engaging and authentic speaker who came to my school and positively changed everything. His name is Dr. Adolph "Doc" Brown, III and he thrives in the lively atmosphere of high schoolers! Their insatiable curiosity is like a spark that sets off a blaze. He views them as a blank canvas, eager to soak up knowledge and challenge the status quo. Conversations transform into a mutual exchange—he recounts experiences while they unveil their aspirations. Their candid inquiries take him back to his own youthful enthusiasm, rekindling his drive for creativity. Additionally, it offers him a chance to guide the upcoming generation, sowing the seeds of inspiration that could one day flourish into revolutionary ideas. It’s more than just an interview; it’s an energetic exchange brimming with potential!
1. Doc Brown, what moment in your career tested you the most and how did you overcome it?
2. Doc Brown, can you share a personal experience that pushed you to your limits and what you learned from it?
3. Doc Brown, what key piece of wisdom would you impart to students navigating today's world?
1. Doc Brown, what moment in your career tested you the most and how did you overcome it?
My greatest professional challenge to date, and one of the most fulfilling was as a university professor and achieving tenure promotion and the rank of a Full Professor. From the onset of this journey to becoming a Tenured Full Professor, I was quite aware that nationwide only 21% of faculty members ever achieve Tenure and only 24% of full-time facuIty attain the rank of Full Professor. Throughout my pursuit toward securing tenure as a university professor and eventually advancing to full professor, I navigated a terrain filled with uncertainty and moments of self-doubt that continuously tested my determination. The pursuit of tenure resembled a daunting ascent up a steep mountain, where each achievement demanded not just intellectual prowess and creativity, but also an unwavering dedication to my discipline and my students.
From the very beginning, I struggled with the weight of expectations. The high standards for research, teaching, and service loomed over me like an ever-present shadow, a constant reminder of the stakes involved. This journey was not simply an assessment of my academic accomplishments; it was a profound reflection of my identity as both an educator and a scholar. Every published article, each course I delivered, and the contributions I made to my university were essential components of a larger puzzle that needed to align seamlessly to validate my worth.
The path to tenure required me to adeptly navigate the intricacies of academic politics, where alliances were forged, and rivalries simmered just out of sight. I found myself balancing the need for innovation with the necessity of respecting tradition, striving to break new ground while honoring the established practices of my institution. Each choice I made carried significant consequences, and the fear of making mistakes often loomed large. Yet, through these challenges, I discovered the immense value of collaboration and mentorship, leaning on my colleagues for support and insight.
Achieving tenure was a significant landmark—an affirmation of my dedication, resilience, and hard work. It marked not only a personal triumph but also my commitment to the academic community. However, this was not the end of my journey. The promotion to full professor came with an even greater sense of responsibility, a recognition of my contributions to the discipline, and an invitation to lead and inspire my peers. This transition transformed my role from a participant in academia to a custodian of knowledge, guiding the next generation of scholars and fostering an environment that nurtured inquiry and innovation.
Looking back on this journey, I recognize that the true significance of my accomplishments lies not just in the titles I have earned, but in the personal growth I have undergone throughout the process. The obstacles I faced have molded me into a more empathetic educator, a more analytical thinker, and a more resilient person. Each challenge reinforced my conviction in the transformative power of education and the necessity of perseverance. As I embrace my role as a full professor, I carry with me the insights gained through uncertainty and a deep understanding that genuine achievement is measured not merely by accolades, but by the influence I have on my students and the wider academic community.
2. Doc Brown, can you share a personal experience that pushed you to your limits and what you learned from it?
My life is a journey filled with challenges that shape who I am. My child with special needs and diagnosed with cerebral palsy brings unique lessons, teaching me patience and the beauty of unconditional love. My wife, a breast cancer survivor, shows incredible resilience, revealing her vulnerable moments that deepen our connection. Together, we navigate a world where joy and worry coexist, and victories are often overshadowed by fears. This shared experience redefines my understanding of love and strength, reminding me that true growth happens in the midst of chaos. I embrace this journey; it is here that the most meaningful moments unfold.
3. Doc Brown, what key piece of wisdom would you impart to students navigating today's world?
Pursue mentorship while also being a mentor. Let your faith guide you in seeing the potential in others. Use your experiences to uplift those around you. Faith can fuel motivation and resilience. Embrace interdisciplinary learning. Combine careers and technical education (CTE), entrepreneurship with the arts and sciences. This creates a strong foundation for success. Believe that knowledge is a pathway to opportunity. Understanding the link between CTE, entrepreneurship, arts, and sciences is essential. It equips individuals with practical skills and fosters creativity and critical thinking. Have faith that these skills can lead to meaningful change. This combination enhances employability and encourages innovative solutions. Use your creativity and faith to challenge conventions. Advocate for positive change. Foster a growth mindset. View every challenge as an opportunity to innovate. Trust that perseverance will yield results. Stay connected to your roots. Your history shapes your future, and your faith can guide your journey. Create a legacy that inspires others!
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