DreamChaser | Amber Stephens
General Information
Name: Amber Stephens
Pronouns: she/her
Age: 35
Job Title/Company: Educator
Education Background (if any): Bachelors Music Education from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at University of Missouri Kansas City
In-Depth Questions
Tell us a little about who you are.
I’m a lot of things… an educator, a musician, a foodie, an introvert. A forever military brat, I’m a girl with deep southern roots, but was raised north of the Mason Dixon line in the wild, wild west (think Deadwood and Tombstone). I like to think I got the best of both worlds. The hospitality and charm of the South, and the hearty steadfastness of the midwest. I try to implement what I desperately wish the world had more of: sincerity, integrity, kindness, grace and mercy.
2. What sparked your interest in starting your business(es)?
I can’t claim a very happy first teaching interest, I’m afraid. I was in kindergarten, and it was story time. We were all on the carpet, and the teacher had a book with no pictures or colors. She asked us what we thought the book was about. I raised my hand and told her the title. Something about a dog going to school. She asked me if I had looked at the book on her desk. I told her I read the title. She insisted that was impossible as the book was too advanced. My classmates labeled me a cheater. After that, I became one of those quiet, smart kids who was always reading silently in a corner away from everyone. Events like this perpetuated my educational experience as a student. Sometime in middle school I decided I was going to be the teacher I never had, but always needed.
3. If applicable, tell us about your full-time job and/or any side hustles you might have.
I teach abroad in Asia. My current full time job title is “Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher.” Whew! Between academics, administrative duties, “other duties as assigned,”supporting students with learning challenges, behavior issues, and social emotional instruction… my hands and heart are full. It’s sweat, tears, gray hairs, bags under the eyes, and a chronic state of tiredness, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything..
As far as side hustles, I cook and bake for my community of foreign friends and introduce cuisines to the local community. Sometimes you need a taste of home, you know? I also tutor and give voice lessons when I’m at liberty.
4. Who are you most influenced by?
That’s easy. I’m blessed to come from a long line of strong and inspiring women. They are movers and shakers in their own right. Their intelligence, perseverance, experiences, wisdom and perpetual spirit of excellence have always been guiding lights in my own life.
5. What was your first job and how long did you hold that position?
I got my very first job at 16 as a cashier at a department store. It was my introduction to the rat race, taxes, livable wages, disgruntled co workers, and difficult supervisors. It helped me develop a lot of soft skills. I came to have a deeper appreciation of those in the retail/service industry. I held that job until I left for college.
6. Can you share one of your proudest achievements with us?
One of my proudest achievements was when I had established my teaching reputation. It took about three years before word of mouth reached me that I was considered an excellent teacher in the educational community. Furthermore, I began to be headhunted by other schools. All of my hardwork, patience, and perseverance overcame the discrimination I faced. My work was coveted, and I had a creditworthy reputation. I always knew the value of my work, but now the community does too.
“If I had always insisted on communicating in a manner that only suited me, I would have missed major opportunities”
What were your initial goals with your work? How have they evolved?
My initial goals with work were to, well… get a teaching job. What you need to understand is when I graduated, the teaching field was saturated. It was difficult to find a teaching job at that time because it was a secure career choice and teachers only left positions when they retired, or moved. As far as how they have evolved, I look for job satisfaction. I honor my teaching contracts, but I’m not loyal to what is not loyal to me. Teaching is still my lifeblood, but I’m now considering moving into curriculum and instruction to better serve students.
What do you think is the most important life skill you learned through your work?
As an African American woman, code-switching is a communication skill that is integral to surviving in society and thriving in the workplace. Everyone’s style is different, people need different things to understand and respond effectively. If I had always insisted on communicating in a manner that only suited me, I would have missed major opportunities.
Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I hope to be running my own business that deals with teaching students, young and old, life skills that we wish we were taught in school. For example, there would be opportunities to learn how taxes work, how to schedule/perform maintenance, budgeting, your rights as a citizen, domestic engineering and the like.
What is a typical day like for you?
Wake up early, do my morning preparations, pack my bag, and head to school. I do some preparing for the day before the students arrive. Then I teach, then grade papers, then teach some more, then attend meetings and reply to emails. After I get home, I usually stare out the window and decompress for an hour or so. I have my evening meal, then wrap up any schoolwork or prep for the next day. I take a shower, and blanket burrito on the couch with a book, or my latest show/movie obsession. Then I take my weary body to bed. I’m out as soon as my head hits that pillow!
What was the biggest obstacle you’ve faced so far in the process of pursuing your goals?
The bulk of my teaching career has been in Asia. I’ve faced a great deal of discrimination due to some of their societal norms. I do not fit their ideal standard of what a desirable person is, socially or professionally. It has cultivated a level of self-love, patience, and perseverance I didn’t think I’d ever reach.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
When people show you who they are, believe them. Also, your perceived value is based on various factors, but your true value is absolute. Know your value.
When do you get your best ideas?
I get my best ideas when I’m doing absolutely nothing, or up to my ears in work/tasks. I’ve had to stop what I was doing to quickly jot things down before they leave my brain. I’ve even rolled over and dictated notes to Siri in half consciousness!
Can you share with us one time that you failed and what you learned from that failure?
The first time I tried teaching abroad, it was a disaster. I was fresh out of college and was utterly fascinated with India. I had Indian roommates in college and had a deep appreciation for their culture. Through social networking, I secured a teaching position at a catholic school in Pondicherry. Due to my naivety and the deception of others, I ended up leaving. I was destitute, starving, and defeated. If I didn’t have a strong support network at home, heaven knows what would have happened to me. I learned so many things from that experience.
1.) Get it in writing, then get it notarized. I was young and inexperienced. I had too much faith in words. Everything I wanted was promised and offered (which should have been a red flag), but because I didn’t protect myself properly, I suffered.
2.) My value system. I was childish, and saw the world in black and white. After being a foreigner in a country where I was a second or even third class citizen, it made me reevaluate what was actually important. Going shopping and looking like a Bollywood star, or knowing where your next meal was and having a safe place to sleep?
3.) Compassion. After experiencing more of the world, Things were no longer black and white. I began to see the different shades of gray. My dialogue changed from, “I would never!” to “Things happen to us all, how can I help?”
4.) Humility. The sun shines on the just and unjust alike. One day you’re on top of the world, pocket full of cash and a heart full of ambition and dreams. The next day, you’re eating discounted overripe mangoes and 2 day old bread. Stay grounded and humble.
“Everyone’s style is different, people need different things to understand and respond effectively. ”
How do you unwind?
I’m an introvert, so I love my recharging time. I enjoy listening to music, writing, looking at beautiful scenery, getting in the kitchen and creating something delectable, and singing to encourage and heal myself.
What did you want to be as a kid?
From a young age, whenever people asked me this question, I always answered “CEO.” They would laugh and ask who told me to say that. Even as a child, I recognised power structure. I didn’t want to be bossed around the rest of my life. I wanted to be a boss.
Can you share a sacrifice you have made to pursue your dream?
In order to pursue my teaching career overseas, I’ve sacrificed the support network of my family, the comfort of familiarity, and a (more) level professional playing field where I’m a solid contender. As a foreigner in Asia, I’m at a constant disadvantage by virtue of culture and tradition.
What would you tell someone else who is interested in entering your field?
Do your research on everything. The school, the country, the politics, the food, the taxes, the people, customs and traditions. Know what your hardlines are. Establish boundaries right away and protect your peace. Negotiate for the things you want. Easy things bring no satisfaction. Anything worth accomplishing, will take time, perseverance, and effort. Don’t sacrifice yourself for a company/school. If it doesn’t serve or improve you, move on. You deserve to be celebrated, not tolerated.
What do you hope people take away from your story?
Let your experiences make you better, not bitter. Life can be prickly… bloom anyway.
