Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Kem Smith.
Hi Dr. Kem, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I never set out to become a doctor. I did not ever plan to be a business owner, a Zumba instructor, an author, an artist, a college professor, or a high school English teacher, absolutely not a high school teacher!
It started with the classic question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I envied the kids who could answer that question with ease. I had no idea. I knew for sure that I never wanted to be a teacher. That career wasn’t even on my radar. We were too poor for me to consider a job that paid so little. By the time I reached college, I still didn’t know. I changed my major six times, attended five different institutions, and took eight years to finish my undergraduate degree. In my final semester of undergraduate, I realized I had landed in the wrong major. I immediately completed my business degree and enrolled in graduate school to become, you guessed it, a teacher. All my life and thousands of dollars later, I learned I had been dodging the classroom teacher calling.
Never have I felt so fulfilled as when I stood in front of the classroom and transferred a lifetime of experiences to groups of students who reminded me of my neighborhood friends. Every time I look at the 1,000s of students I have met over the years, I see the kids from my block; Paul, Ruthie, Margaret, Dennis, Bobby, Stephanie, Janet, Bootsie, Shawana, and nobody can forget Pistol Pete.
The memories from my old neighborhood remind me that we all have a purpose. Every student I have encountered has taught me something. I teach those lessons to others. My bio says I am a multi-passionate teaching artist who is equally at home with the world of words as I am with a classroom and a paintbrush. It talks about the books I have written, my radio and television appearances, and the blogs I have contributed. There’s even a blurb about how I overcame being a college dropout, a single mom, and a job hopper. What’s not in my bio is the essence of who I am and what pushes me to defy the odds.
My strength comes from my background.
I am the daughter of parents who grew up in Kinloch, MO, the first Black community in Missouri- as next-door neighbors. They fell in love at an early age. They were barely tweens when they shared their first kiss. My mom was too cute to ignore, and my dad fell head over heels in love. They had their first child, my oldest brother, before my mom could walk the stage through graduating with her peers. She always regretted missing that critical milestone. Her regret was the elephant in the room my entire childhood.
With love and encouragement, she raised me to embrace all things related to books. She used to say, “My children will be readers.” She would remind us that someone said, “If you ever want to hide something from a Black man, put it in a book. He’ll never read it.” Her constant and consistent message was education first. Books first, reading always. My parents rewarded my grades with cash which was the ultimate incentive. They attended all of my school functions and taught me the importance of being a Black woman in a world that would continuously marginalize my experiences and culture.
I considered my mother my best friend. All the love she poured into my life gave me confidence. She died at the age of 48 from what the doctors called cancer. I know her death was caused by the heartache she experienced as a Black woman whose sacrifices kept her living a fulfilled life.
For example, her mother was an alcoholic who died prematurely, and she never knew her mother’s mother. In essence, even as a child, I knew she had a lot of unhealed trauma. I watched her hurt play out in ways no one else would understand. Most of our conversations had lessons embedded with themes of “Don’t be like me. Make sure you get your education.”
I am a first-generation college student, a first-generation educator, a first-generation doctor, and a first-generation author because of my quest to honor my mother’s memory. Black women and men from less fortunate communities in America have a difficult plight. My purpose is to demonstrate how education can heal and transform society. When we embrace learning new things, we can find the healing we need to honor our ancestors while building a legacy for the next generation.
Who I am is not what I have done. Right now, I am standing on the shoulders of women unable to walk in their power. I teach because I lift up girls who need to see they can. In the words of Beyonce, “We have to teach our girls that they can reach as high as humanly possible.” It may seem like I have done much to some, but I know I am only at the beginning. Ultimately, I want to use my platform to powerfully impact women and girls who need to find their joy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My struggle was that I did not believe in Kem. When I dropped out of college, I felt like a failure. I had blown an opportunity not afforded to others. I couldn’t wallow in self-pity because suddenly, I had two children to raise alone. Every day was a challenge. At a low point, my friend called and said, “Kem, why aren’t you in school?” I gave her all my best excuses. She told me that I was too smart not to continue school. She reminded me of my study habits and my ability to excel.
I hadn’t known I was smart. I just thought I was good at school. I enrolled and finished despite working full-time and raising my babies solo. I still struggle with self-doubt. I’m blessed to have a husband who constantly encourages me to try even when I fear failing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an advice columnist for Chalbeat, a non-profit news organization that covers education stories in America. Writing this column has helped me see that my work as a teacher is valuable. The column has shown me that my knowledge matters during this tumultuous time for our industry. When many teachers are leaving or considering leaving the classroom, my column allows them to ask questions without fear of retribution.
I hope to see my column grow. I want to branch out to a podcast. Teachers need safe spaces and support.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Mentors are everywhere. Some cost money, and some are free. All of my mentors have been people who help me see what I can’t. I am a spiritual person. For me, the best mentors are also prayer partners. We meet daily or weekly to pray and support one another. I hire a coach when I have a big project, like writing a book or finishing my dissertation.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ksmithstudios
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thekemsmith
- Other: https://www.chalkbeat.org/authors/kem-smith
Image Credits
Wiley Price- St. Louis American Michelle L. Artist – Aroused by Art, St. Louis, MO
