Teneice Kirby shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Teneice, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I feel that all are equally important. They are integral pieces to each other. Energy is the fuel for what is needed to be done. Intelligence is needed so you know how to move, when to move, where to move, and why you should move. Integrity mandates that you always conduct yourself in a manner that is beyond reproach. The moment you disregard your integrity, you show lack of intelligence, which will in turn cause wasted energy that you will never get back.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Teneice Kirby. I am the CEO of Humans Becoming LLC. My passion is delevering education in ways that elevate/empower/enlighten/engage people/communities/organizations/families who have Neurodivergent individuals connected to them. I feel that having both lived experiences, formal education, and years of proven success create such a wonderful formula for structured support that people are seeking.
My approach to supporting those who come to me for help is strategically created. Due to the nature of Neurodivergency needs there is not an “one size fits all” approach.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I will say there were two moments that shaped who I was to become: the birth of my sons, Justin and Edward. I never saw myself as a parent. However, once they came into my life, I could not imagine my life without them. I wanted to make sure that they saw the very best in themselves because not everyone will value who they are and see them as I see them.
This pushed me to become a better version of myself so they could see that you deserve the best you can give yourself. My sons watched me graduate from college five different times while still being their parent. I always told them the words of wisdom from my grandfather, Edward H. Robertson, that pushed me on days that I thought I could not push through. Their words and love also shaped me because when I looked into their faces, I always saw them smiling at me and being my cheerleaders. I wanted to make sure that I gave that to them as well.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I was working on taking the Praxis for teaching. I had missed passing 3 times by 12, 6, and 3 points. I was ready to give up. I sat on the edge of my bed crying and feeling utterly defeated. My youngest son, Edward came in and said “Mom, why are you allowing a test to tell you that you can’t teach. You are the best teacher we have ever had. You teach us in ways other people dont know how to teach. You help our friends or other kids if they need help. Honestly mom, f___ that test. Don’t let the test tell you who you are, you tell the test who you are.” I did and I passed by 12 points!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I feel that education tells certain communities that they should not pursue higher education. Now whether that is 2 year college, 4 year college, a trade school, or some type of apprenticeship. Everyone deserves to improve themselves, their family, their community. The factor that people are priced out of obtaining education is very telling of us as a country. Also, when education says “you can’t do this because you are a female/minority/low income/single parent home/too old/too young/have a disability” says you fear the incredible talent they can and often do bring to different industries. Those who are afraid should look inward to discover why they feel this way. They should also seek to change how they view others and understand that everyone benefits from shared resources and collective backgrounds.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes. I do what I not for praise but because it has to be done. I do what I do because God gave me the passion and calling to do what I do. I do what I do because all though others do it, they do not do it like I do. There is a story/lesson in the Bible that speaks about the power of a towel. In John 13: 4-11. Jesus is having the Passover meal with His disciples. He washes their feet showing that He was not above them. This shows servant leadership, humility, and unity. This how I look at what I do. I am not in it for show, I am in it because He directed me to it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.humansbecomingllc.com
- Instagram: HumansBecomingLLC
