A Tribute to the Teacher Who Shaped My Journey

We all have influential teachers that shape our understanding of ourselves. One for me was my high school AP European history teacher, Mr. Murphy. He had qualities common to all great teachers. He was tough but fair, in tune with our needs, and faithfully prepared his students for real world success. Mr. Murphy’s classroom was a place where we were encouraged to engage in critical thinking, challenge each other, dream beyond horizons and most importantly develop our own identities.

At 14, my family immigrated from Ghana, West Africa to Harlem, New York. I stumbled into sophomore year of high school with a thick accent, frazzled hair that was practically begging to be laughed at, and a huge dose of culture shock. In an effort to make friends, I spent hours practicing how to order a simple bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich from the corner store with my classmates. I would stand in line rehearsing, “Ayo Mike, can I get bacon, egg and cheese?” It was critical that Mike  understood me because there was a line of impatient, hungry New Yorkers behind me who didn’t empathize with my plight. This nerve wracking ordeal was over in less than a minute only to repeat itself the next day. Like most high school students, I wanted to fit in which was exacerbated by my “otherness”. Stepping into Mr. Murphy’s classroom was the remedy I didn’t know I needed. Through his unique teaching methods, I found my voice again. I allowed myself to fully embrace every part of me and connected to a deep sense of self that I continue to hone.

This past weekend, I connected with Mr. Murphy after 15 years! Seeing his friendly face over lunch, all of the memories of being a high school student in Harlem came rushing back. Sometimes you have to stop and take stock of the places you’ve been, the people that had a positive impact on you, and pay homage to the younger version of yourself. You’ve come a long way. Cheers to the Mr. Murphys of the world! #payments #throwback #jpmorgan