Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Barbara D Culp, Ed. D.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Barbara D, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My true purpose was revealed to me when I was in seventh grade. My teacher, Mrs. Sherrod, thought I was smart but needed lots of exposure to broaden my worldview. One weekend in the Fall of that year, she asked my mom if I could spend the weekend with her and her family. As a child, I had no idea how people lived beyond my limited neighborhood. We lived in a rundown house across the way, and I slept on a roll-a-way with my three sisters. I was naive and needed this exposure to grow and become more interested in educational pursuits.
That weekend exposure set in motion my desire to become an educator! I wanted to be like my teacher, live like her, dress like her, and have the social graces she exhibited. The one distinction I observed was that she and her husband were college-educated, which led to their wealth accomplishments. I had no idea Black folk lived like that. With that information etched in my mind, there was no stopping me. My idea of education changed from doing my schoolwork to demonstrating my master of learning in the classroom. I enjoyed participation, projects, tests, and homework. I felt I had something to prove to myself. Since this one teacher thought I was smart, I would show all my teachers just how smart I was. Teaching stung me like a Bee, filling my vines with a drive and motivation never to stop learning and growing.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Author and Small Business Owner
I am a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who values her family and tries to instill a love of teaching and learning in them. I enjoy playing cognitive games, listening to music, and exploring the internet in my free time.
I have an educational background and have authored eight nonfiction books that provide wisdom, inspiration, and engaging reading for the academic community. My goal is to support educators and help them to maintain their passion for teaching and learning. Currently, I am working on a book that aims to engage young minds in a fun and creative way.
In addition to my work as an author, I also run a small business called Amyra LLC. As an Educational Consultancy, we offer various services to schools in the Metropolitan area. Our services include student tutorial services, teacher
mentoring, principal coaching, parenting workshops, and staff training and development in several areas of need. We have been providing quality services to our clients for ten years now.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Throughout my journey, there are three qualities that have had the most significant impact: a thirst for knowledge, a desire to make a difference, and an unwavering determination to achieve my goals.
From a young age, I was drawn to the idea of becoming a teacher. Watching my own teachers closely, I took note of their teaching styles and mannerisms and even had the opportunity to visit one of their homes. This experience left a lasting impression on me, and I became even more devoted to my studies. Despite coming from an impoverished background, I worked hard and graduated from undergraduate school with the highest honors.
My thirst for knowledge only grew stronger, and I went on to earn both a master’s and a doctorate. Still not satisfied, I also graduated from the Georgia Superintendency Preparation program and completed various other classes and workshops to stay up to date with the latest developments in my field.
All of this was motivated by my desire to make a difference in education. I wanted to provide students with the best possible learning experience, and I set out to become a teacher that students would never forget. Later, I became a school principal, and my staff and I strived to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students, teachers, and parents.
Even after retirement, I continued to work hard to achieve my goals. I founded Amyra Educational Consultancy to address gaps in the education system, and I served as a Clinical Supervisor of Student Teachers at Brenau University for several years. I also wrote eight books, two of which were award-winning, and I never missed an opportunity to share my wisdom and experience with others.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Reflecting on my life, I realize that my parents have instilled some impactful lessons that have helped me become who I am today. They taught me to prioritize God in my life, practice honesty in all my dealings, treat others with respect, and pursue education to avoid financial struggles. They always encouraged me to give my best in everything I do. As a believer in the afterlife, I still follow the Christian doctrines that my parents taught me when I was young. My life’s purpose has granted me countless experiences, which I continue to explore and learn from so
that I may pass on valuable life lessons to others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/AMYRACONSULTANCY & http://www.barbaradculp.com
- Instagram: http://Instagram.com/amyrallc
- Linkedin: http://Linkedin.com/in/Barbara-culp-ed-d-9b127126
- Twitter:twitter @Barbara_Words
- Youtube:Barbara D. Culp@BarbaraDCulp
Image Credits
Photos taken and enhanced by Melisa Fox, my daughter.
