Blog Layout
The Importance of Kindness
India White • Aug 20, 2021
Everyone is going through something. Some more than others, but nonetheless, everyone does. In that way, all of us are brothers and sisters, We all struggle, we all fail, we all are human. And since the very beginning, humans have been dependent upon each other, choosing to brave our harsh realities with others. That part of mankind still hasn’t changed. But, we have lost our way, as hatred and distrust grow at a disturbing pace around the globe. From a brief glance, the forces of good seem nonexistent in the face of this truly menacing evil. In a world such as this, in a world broken by doubts and fears, it is incumbent upon everyone to fix it.
I was one of those people who desperately needed help, you know. I was once beaten down, unmotivated, fearful. On Christmas Eve, 2001, at 16, my mother, in a drunken stupor, kicked me out of the house. I was then denied by my father, who told the cop that beckoned him to take me in that I wasn’t his daughter, and that they could do what they want with me. That’s when I called the YMCA Homeless Shelter my home. I remember that day like it was yesterday. All I could think to myself was that I was a nobody and that nobody loved me and that I was a reject to society. I didn’t want to live anymore. I was filled with hurt, depression and excuses to quit.
It was around this trying time that I met my mentor over 20 years ago. She was a life saver, that ONE PERSON I could depend on in my confusion. When we first met, I was angry. I remember slamming her car door when I first entered and rolling my eyes as she tried to converse with me. I looked at her and didn’t think she cared. I didn’t think she could help me because she hadn’t gone through what I was going through and couldn’t relate to it. I didn’t understand her kindness and her love towards me at first. Eventually, I came around. Now, I call her Mama Sharon. I was also fortunate enough to have another fantastic woman and Rockstar mentor by the name of Vickie O in my life.
Vickie helped me develop a professionalism and conduct that I hadn’t known in my mother’s house, and she motivated me with her bright smile and attitude. She would always help me get ready for scholarship interviews, which was critical in allowing me to attend college. With the wonderful support and love from these two incredible people in my life, I was able to graduate with a 4.25 GPA from Sarasota High School with Top Honors, then enroll into the University of Florida where I majored in math and minored in saxophone performance. Now I am a forever teacher, speaker, National Ed Consultant, author, entrepreneur, mother, mentor,, and so much more. But above it all, I am a human being, and it took a single person in my life to help me realize my worth.
I was a broken child from a broken home, destined to simply become another statistic to fuel the raging bigotry in our country. Yet somehow by the grace of God, from this pit of loneliness I was trapped in, I was able to ascend farther than I ever imagined. Also, I was able to let go of past hurts and reconcile with my mother and father before they passed away. This was possible because of Vickie allowing the Lord to use her so I can have a better quality of life.
Please remember this as you go out into your lives. You can be someone else’s Vickie today, simply by recognizing their humanity, by recognizing their value. If you have a friend or a family member struggling through something, just remind them that they are valuable and that, most importantly, they have people who know they’re valuable. For those of you mentors out there, take heart! Your work is greatly appreciated; please don’t ever feel as though you aren’t doing enough. You are! And for everyone reading this who doesn’t think they will ever amount to anything, I cannot express to you how much I would like to come through the computer screen to speak with you right now. You are not defined by your mishaps. You are not a failure! I believe in you, and I know that if you put your mind to it, you will find success in the end. Remember, this is not the end. The best is yet to come!
‼️So grateful for the opportunity to hear testimonials and reviews from a few rockstar educators about their takeaways and experiences from my Equitable math 🧮 practices session at MCTM in Minnesota this weekend🤩! It's inspiring to hear teachers who provide feedback and work to close the achievement gap. 🥰Let's continue learning from each other and making a difference in the lives of our students! #teacherappreciation #education #equitablemath #achievementgap #drindiawhite #teachers #tedx #equity Check out the session highlights here:
‼️Listen as a gritty Middle Eastern teacher explains how attending my Equity Keynote at the Math conference, helped her connect her experience as a BIPOC educator with her perspective on how to implement equitable practices for all students and relate to students of different cultures! #drindiawhite #tedx #equity #dei #math #education #teachers #students #bipoc #savvas #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #nabse #habse #uf
I urge you to take a moment to listen to Dr. India White's enlightening TEDx talk, "The Power of Grit," where she delves into what drives grit in the lives of leaders, teachers, and students every day. In this captivating presentation, Dr. White offers invaluable insights into the transformative potential of grit—the unwavering determination and resilience that propel individuals toward their goals, even in the face of adversity. As educators and leaders, we play a pivotal role in instilling and nurturing grit among our students and colleagues. Dr. White's talk serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we cultivate grit within ourselves and those we influence. I encourage you to watch the TEDx talk for a deeper understanding of how grit can drive success in our classrooms, workplaces, and lives.
I am beyond grateful and honored to have the opportunity to speak at UF's Alumni Gainesville reception and share the powerful message of grit with the new graduates from the University of Florida. As leaders, we have a unique platform and responsibility to inspire and empower the next generation as they embark on their journey beyond the university walls. Grit is more than just a buzzword; it is the unwavering determination and resilience that propel individuals toward their goals, even in the face of adversity. It's about facing challenges head-on, embracing failures as opportunities for growth, and never giving up on our dreams. Today, as we gather to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable graduates, let us remind them of the power they hold within themselves. Let us encourage them to cultivate grit in all aspects of their lives, knowing that with perseverance and determination, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their wildest dreams. As leaders, let us lead by example, showing gratitude for the opportunities we've been given and inspiring others to do the same. Let us use our voices to uplift and encourage those around us, knowing that together, we can create a brighter and more resilient future for all. Congratulations to the graduates of the University of Florida! May your journey be filled with grit, determination, and endless possibilities.
I am beyond grateful and honored to have the opportunity to speak at UF's Young Alumni reception and share the powerful message of grit with the new graduates from the University of Florida. As leaders, we have a unique platform and responsibility to inspire and empower the next generation as they embark on their journey beyond the university walls. Grit is more than just a buzzword; it is the unwavering determination and resilience that propel individuals toward their goals, even in the face of adversity. It's about facing challenges head-on, embracing failures as opportunities for growth, and never giving up on our dreams. Today, as we gather to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable graduates, let us remind them of the power they hold within themselves. Let us encourage them to cultivate grit in all aspects of their lives, knowing that with perseverance and determination, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their wildest dreams. As leaders, let us lead by example, showing gratitude for the opportunities we've been given and inspiring others to do the same. Let us use our voices to uplift and encourage those around us, knowing that together, we can create a brighter and more resilient future for all. Congratulations to the graduates of the University of Florida! May your journey be filled with grit, determination, and endless possibilities.
Join us on the Grit and Equity Talks Podcast with Dr. India White, where we will discuss spaced vs. mass practice for teachers! Visit www.india-white.com for more information #drindiawhite #grit #equity
🥳As the opening keynote at the WMC Annual conference, I had the opportunity to discuss equitable math practices with teachers. I am grateful to have gifted 30 copies of the Equity Counts book collaboration after my session! 🤩Thanks to Savvas Learning Company for making this happen🥰. The best is yet to come for Wisconsin teachers and students! #EquitableMath #Education #EquityCounts #savvas #drindiawhite #tedx #equity #WisconsinTeachers #StudentSuccess #wismath24 #nctm #ncsm… See more — at On Green Lake in Wisconsin.
Hanging out wit the tribe! I had the honor of being the opening keynote speaker at @WisMathCouncil 🤩 We applied the concept of grit in their classroom! Thanks to @SavvasLearning!! #drindiawhite #math #grit #student #teachers @wismathcouncil #wismath24 #SAVVAS #nctm #ncsm #bwxme
This morning, I had the honor of being the opening keynote speaker at WMC's Annual Math Conference. 🤩The conference was a great success, with attendees discussing the importance of grit in both teachers and students. I’m excited to see Wisconsin teachers apply the concept of grit in their classrooms and help their students develop this crucial! Thanks to Savvas Learning Company for the support and encouragement!! #drindiawhite #math #grit #student #teachers @wismathcouncil #wismath24 #SAVVAS #nctm #ncsm #bwxme
‼️Attention all Wisconsin teachers! Are you ready to enhance your teaching skills and help your students develop their grit😃? If so, don't miss out on the opportunity to purchase my Grit Workbook at a discounted price! 🤗I have 50 copies available at WMC, so come and grab your copy this week🤩! #wismath2024 #nctm #ncsm #drindiawhite #grit #education #students #teachers #wismath2024 #nctm #ncsm #drindiawhite #grit #education #students #teachers