As a playwright, I spent years weaving narratives that explored the human condition, delving into the complexities of our existence, the struggles we face and the stories that shape us. Each character I created was a reflection of the world around me, a voice longing to be heard. Yet, as I stood on the precipice of a new chapter in my life, I realized that the most potent stories are not merely found on the stage; they are lived out in the lives of everyday people, especially the youth walking our streets today.
Prologue: A Calling Greater Than the Stage
In August, I will take a leap that is both thrilling and terrifying: I will launch my microschool, the Southwest Mississippi Multiplex for Early innovative Intervention Studies, otherwise known as the SMMEIIS Institute, in McComb, Mississippi. This decision comes not only from a desire to educate but from a deep-seated need to address the challenges our youth face in a community plagued by gun violence and gang culture.
Too often, our attention gravitates toward the most visible students: the athletes, the socially dominant personalities, the outgoing and expressive peers—while those who are quieter, more introspective, or uniquely gifted in other ways go unnoticed. These students, too, are innovators, thinkers and future leaders who deserve to be seen and supported.
Act I: Setting the Scene for Change
McComb is a place rich in potential yet burdened by despair. The alarming rise in gun violence and gang involvement has left many families shattered and many young people feeling hopeless. They are caught in a cycle of fear and uncertainty, often feeling that their only options are limited to what they see around them. But amidst this darkness, I have witnessed countless young individuals with dreams, creativity, and the capacity for change. They may not excel in sports or draw attention to themselves, but they possess a unique brilliance that, if nurtured, could illuminate the future.
In the theater, I learned that every story has its hero, often an underdog battling against insurmountable odds. Our youth are the unsung heroes of McComb, yearning for a chance to write their own narratives. This realization is what fuels my passion for establishing a microschool—a space where these young minds can flourish, learn and express themselves without the fear of judgment or violence.
Act II: When Art Becomes Action
Joining the microschool movement is undoubtedly the largest leap I have ever taken. It is a shift from crafting narratives for the stage to creating a tangible environment where stories will unfold in real-time. This leap is filled with uncertainty—questions abound:
Will I be able to connect with the students? How will I navigate the complexities of education? Can I truly make a difference? Will I be able to support not only the students, but also their families in meaningful ways?
Yet, within this fear lies exhilaration and the thrill of possibility. Every step I take toward opening this school is a step toward creating a safe haven for those who have felt invisible. I am driven by the belief that education should be a personalized journey, one that acknowledges the unique stories each child carries. My experience in playwriting has taught me the importance of understanding human needs and the power of storytelling in fostering empathy and connection. These lessons are invaluable as I embark on this new school venture.
Act III: Designing a Future for the Next Generation
As I prepare for this leap, I am filled with gratitude—first and foremost for Embark Mississippi, whose support has been instrumental in bringing my vision to life. The initiative is committed to empowering educators and discovering innovative learning environments. Together, we can create a ripple effect that touches not just individual lives but the entire McComb community.
Moreover, I am thankful for my background in the arts, which has provided me with a lens through which to view the world. Playwriting is not merely about characters and world-building; it is about understanding the human experience. It captures the transitory nature of life, the immediacy of emotion, and the urgency of building scenes that resonate in real time. It is about listening to the voices that often go unheard: the ones that live in pauses, gestures and subtext—speaking volumes without saying a word.
My background will guide me as I work with students, helping them to give voice to their thoughts, feelings and dreams. Just as the stage creates space for unique stories to unfold, my aim as an “edupreneur” is to ensure that every child feels seen, heard and empowered to contribute to a shared narrative and possibility while effecting change in our community.
Finale: The Story We Build Together
As I prepare to launch this microschool, I am filled with hope and determination. I believe in the power of education to transform lives, to break cycles of violence and to cultivate a new generation of leaders. The road ahead will bring challenges—securing funding, building a supportive community and pushing through inevitable moments of self-doubt. There will be days when the comfort of the familiar feels more appealing than the uncertainty of bold change. But leaps are, by nature, frightening. And in those moments of fear, we often uncover our greatest strength.
This leap is not just about me; it is about the countless young people who long to be understood and validated. In McComb, we have the power to rewrite our narrative—to shift from despair to possibility, from surviving to thriving. I truly believe we can build a community where every child is celebrated, where talents are nurtured, and where young people are empowered to shape the future of our state.
This may be the scariest and most exhilarating thing I’ve ever done, but I embrace it with gratitude, passion and a deep belief in the brilliance of our young people. Reflecting on my journey from playwright to new-school founder, I see now that both roles are rooted in the same purpose: to tell a story that matters. Whether through the written word or through education, my mission is to amplify voices that have too often been silenced. I am committed to ensuring the youth of McComb know they are seen, heard, and valued.
This MFP Voices opinion essay reflects the personal opinion of its author(s). The column does not necessarily represent the views of the Mississippi Free Press, its staff or board members. To submit an opinion for the MFP Voices section, send up to 1,200 words and sources fact-checking the included information to voices@mississippifreepress.org. We welcome a wide variety of viewpoints.