When Purpose Shows Up Unexpectedly
- Dedrick Moone
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
What started as a simple career fair conversation on March 19th turned into something much more meaningful.
My daughter Haelee attended a career fair at Shaw University where she met Jared Mack and Janay Ward from Sledge Institute. Founded by Dr. Chandra Sledge Mathias, Sledge Institute is a tuition-free K–12 public charter school located in Henderson, North Carolina.
Although Haelee is pursuing degrees in Mass Communications and Political Science, Jared and Janay saw something beyond her major. They took the time to learn about her work with The Rules of a Big Boss and extended an invitation for both of us to come read and engage with their students during storybook week on yesterday.
That in itself was a reminder that opportunities don’t always come from perfect alignment — sometimes they come from genuine connection and vision.
The energy was undeniable when we arrived at Sledge Institute. Jamese Ward welcomed us with a hug as I joked about how tall she was. Standing at 6’0”, I told her, “It’s not often that I feel short, but you got it twin. What are you, 6’2”?” She laughed and said she was around 6’0” probably the boots as I looked down. Jared chimed in, laughing, “Here comes another tall one,” as Janay walked around the corner, also right around 6’0”. At that point I had to ask, “What are y’all putting in the water in Vance County? Y’all got me feeling like Papa Smurf right now.”
Engaging with the students, asking them to introduce themselves, and share who their heroes are and why became a powerful moment. It wasn’t just about reading, it was about helping them understand that heroes don’t always wear capes. They are everyday people such as their parents, teachers, and community members.
At one point, a group of students even asked if I could take them outside to play. I had to let them down gently apparently, there are laws against that but the fact that they felt comfortable enough to ask spoke volumes about the environment and connection being built.
What stood out most about Sledge Institute wasn’t just their curriculum which focuses on project-based, place-based, and competency-based learning but their vision. The fact that they met Haelee at a career fair while recruiting educators, yet still saw value in inviting her to engage with their students, speaks to a long-term commitment to leadership development and community impact. That kind of thinking is what shapes future leaders.
I am incredibly grateful to the Sledge Institute team for welcoming us into their space, for their openness, and for their willingness to pour into both students and visitors alike. And I’m grateful for my daughter whose journey continues to open doors not just for herself, but for others as well.
This experience reinforced a simple truth in that even when life disrupts, purpose has a way of finding you anyway. Now that I’ve gotten the politically correct part out of the way please feel free to enjoy a video of our shenanigans during story time. You can do so by going here.
Comments