Barbara D. Culp Ed. D. of South Dekalb County, Georgia on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Barbara D. Culp Ed. D. and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Barbara D., thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Because of my sense of loyalty and dedication to conventional work ethics, I would hire myself. You can rely on me to arrive on time and be prepared to complete the tasks given. You can rely on me to dress appropriately for the position and to treat clients and coworkers with respect. You can rely on me to speak highly of my employer and place of employment. My work values are derived from expectations and modeled behavior. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays taught me that “whatever you do, strive to do it so well that no man living and no man dead and no man yet to be born could do it any better.” That’s the motto I live and work by.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a self-motivated educator who seeks every opportunity to learn. I want to leave a written legacy of my time here on earth for my family and those who knew I was in my element when I was teaching and/or learning. I am currently at an insatiable writing point in my life, and I am working on projects I want to complete before God calls me home.

Projects one, two, and three are collections of short stories; one is a read-aloud for early learners, the second is for adolescent readers, and the third is for adult readers on the go. The fourth project is the most exciting one for me. It is a women’s fiction novel titled “A Mosaic Sisterhood Unfolding.” It tells the story of four women who are like sisters and explores their friendships in ways that are interesting and intoxicating to read.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
As a little girl, I felt like I existed in a vacuum, without dreams or aspirations. I lived in a community where few people ventured beyond its boundaries. However, I eventually heard my teachers tell me that I could achieve anything I wanted and that my background shouldn’t dictate my future. I paid attention and learned that education would be my ticket to a better life. I took the initiative to educate myself, growing my intelligence along the way.

I envisioned myself going to college and earning advanced degrees. I imagined a life where meeting my basic needs would never be a problem. I wanted to help others who needed support and a chance to prove they were worthy of a more successful life. I dreamed of owning a business that would help those who needed help the most. After retiring, I opened Amyra LLC to tutor children in reading and math. We also addressed the consulting needs of schools. Today, I have stepped aside from the business to focus more on writing and providing daily inspirational messages to the educational community.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind word to my younger self, it would be “believe.” I would encourage my younger self to trust in my abilities and potential, reminding me that it’s okay to make mistakes and that setbacks are just part of the journey. Life may present challenges and moments of self-doubt, but embracing who you are and recognizing your strengths will help you navigate through it all. I would emphasize that you are capable of achieving great things and that it’s important to stay true to your dreams, even when the path feels uncertain. Life is like seasons, and if you hang in there long enough, that season will come again… And what you do today will set you up for greater success the next time around.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I believe that family lies at the heart of our existence and should be our foremost priority. The family we are born into or choose serves as the backbone of our lives. As inherently social creatures, we rely on one another for our emotional well-being and mental health. It’s vital to nurture and strengthen these bonds, ensuring they endure through life’s challenges and trials. With unwavering love and support, we can confront adversity together. Moreover, I have faith in the power of prayer to keep us connected with one another and to our beliefs. By prioritizing family, we cultivate a foundation of trust and resilience that can weather any storm.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
In this phase of my life, I would devote my energy to pursuing things of intrinsic value. I aim to overcome procrastination and embrace a fulfilling, balanced life. My focus would shift towards nurturing relationships, seeking enriching experiences, and deepening my understanding of my purpose. I would cherish quality time with my family and dedicate myself to meaningful projects, such as writing. Additionally, I would assist others in establishing daily rituals and setting up their wills and trusts. Ultimately, I would assess what truly matters to me and commit to pursuing those priorities today, rather than postponing them for tomorrow.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Not applicable

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Local Highlighter Series

We are so thrilled to be able to connect with some of the brightest and

Highlighter Series
Who taught you the most about work?

Society has its myths about where we learn – internships, books, school, etc. However, in

Highlighter Series
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?

We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger