Meet DaWayne Nettles

We recently connected with DaWayne Nettles and have shared our conversation below.

DaWayne, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding purpose is a personal journey that involves self-exploration, reflection, and experimentation. It’s a process, not a destination, and what works for one person might not work for another.

I found my purpose through service. I a proud believer in Servant Leadership and decided early on that giving back in where I found my calling. I come from a family of educators and found myself joining the “family business” I joined the Call Me MISTER Program, a male leadership development program in 2004 and never looked back. I taught in K-12 and then after completing my masters I was introduced to TRIO Programs and fell in love with the mission of advocating for 1st Generation and Pell-Eligible students. It was at that point I believe I found my “life’s work” and ultimate purpose.

Ultimately, finding purpose is a personal journey that will look different for everyone. While I may not have the same needs and desires as others, I still believe that there is meaning to be found in the human experience. By continuing to learn, grow, and connect with others, I strive to make the most of my abilities and leave a positive impact on the world.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
DaWayne Nettles is an educator, mentor, standup comic, hip-hop enthusiast, and Call Me MISTER Program graduate. He holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Benedict College and Columbia College, respectively. He currently serves as a Student Services Program Manager with the University of South Carolina in the Department of TRiO Programs. In this capacity he serves as the TRIO Assistant Director/Upward Bound Program Director. His interests are wide-ranging and include hip-hop education, culturally relevant educational practices, leadership development, educational technology, educational reform, STEM Education and African-American male achievement. He can be contacted by email at DNettles@mailbox.sc.edu.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I think about the 3 Qualities that have been most impactful in my journey what comes to mind instantly are empathy, service and impact.

Empathy:

The ability to understand and share the feelings of others allows you to connect deeply with the people around you. It fosters trust, compassion, and collaboration, making you a valuable asset in any situation. In your journey, empathy can help you navigate challenges with grace, build meaningful relationships, and inspire positive change through understanding others’ perspectives.

Service:

Dedication to serving others reflects a selfless desire to make a difference in the world. It can manifest in various ways, from volunteering your time and skills to simply offering a helping hand to those in need. Service can shape your journey by giving you purpose, fulfillment, and opportunities to grow as you touch the lives of others.

Impact:

Unwavering focus on making a lasting positive change sparks ambition and desire to leave a mark on the world. It pushes you to strive for excellence, constantly seek improvement, and leave a legacy that resonates. The pursuit of impact will likely fuel your motivation, guide your decisions and celebrate your achievements making the journey meaningful and purposeful.

These 3 qualities have acted as the driving force in your life. Knowing their individual strengths and how they intertwine has empowered me to continue making a positive impact on my journey and the world around me.

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?
When I think of my parents and the many lessons they taught me the most impactful thing that I have taken away from them is their unwavering love of people. Their passion for family, community, people and service is what keeps me grounded daily and focussed on th missions and goals I have set for myself in all aspects of my life.

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