We were lucky to catch up with Lisa M. Landry recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lisa M. , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career
The definition of education per the Oxford American Dictionary is the “systematic training and instruction designed to impart knowledge and develop skill” (Oxford American Dictionary, 1979). Educational institutions are the key component in developing our cognitive and communication skills. We place our trust in the education system to groom the youth into productive citizens, preparing them for future endeavors. In addition to religion and politics, education is among the influential aspects of American culture. If we lived in a utopian society, everyone would have a seamless educational experience. Unfortunately, in reality, our education system is imperfect and biased.
My first realization of an unjust education system occurred during my first two high school years. I attended a public school with a mixed demographic. The option for the public education system was attending the local private Catholic school. Due to sports, I had opportunities to visit the private school and meet various alumni. After viewing the institution and conversing with attendees, I learned our educational experiences were polar opposites. Our high school had overcrowded classes, the conditions of the books were deplorable, and the resources were limited. In contrast, the private high school had a smaller student-to-teacher ratio and high-tech equipment, in addition to being excluded from the state aptitude test which determined progression to the next grade. After taking an education methods class where I studied the history of the American education system, I determined I experienced oppression.
The issue with the education system is the fact it is set up as Paulo Freire describes as a banking system of education. “The capability of banking education to minimize or annul the student’s creative power and to stimulate their credulity serves the interests of the oppressors, who care neither to have the world revealed nor to see it transformed” (Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Freire, P., 2018). The propaganda of one race being superior to others creates a false premise of equality. “Minorities” are subjected to attending low-income, under-resourced, and crowded education institutions resulting in systematic oppression.
My intervention plans to abolish unfair and unjust education by developing educational, professional, and life skills courses to educate our youth on how to counteract a depository approach to obtaining knowledge. Freire emphasizes that “knowledge emerges only through the restless, impatient, continuing, hopeful inquiry human beings pursue in the world, with the world, and with each other” (Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Freire, P., 2018). With the emergence of standardized aptitude tests, instruction has evolved to a “how to take a test” approach to learning. Meritocracy and the opportunity gap are deeply embedded in educational institutions. My theory of change is organized to incorporate required life skills modules in curricula that target cognitive abilities, domestic responsibility, financial literacy, and communicative skills before graduating. Examples of subjects include improving mental skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, self-awareness, managing a household, budgeting, and public speaking. The overall outcomes are predicted as financial stability, an increase in professional or entrepreneurial careers, independence, and the ability to cope with real-life situations. To create a revolutionary education system, we must change the institutional foundations.
Lisa M. , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Landry Services Unlimited’s core values are compassion, discipline, honesty, and integrity while providing accounting and financial services. We specialize in consulting individuals and businesses with pecuniary policies and procedures that enhance economic growth. Our ability to convey strategic solutions to operations and profitability results in exponential productivity. With over 19 years of experience in public accounting, project management, and taxation, our clientele can be secure in choosing our firm for their personal or professional needs.
The identification and implementation of essential internal controls are vital to ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, risk assessment, and accurate financial reporting. After conducting an initial consultation with clients, we conduct thorough auditing of financial statements and accounting systems verifying the accuracy of transactions such as bank reconciliations, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and intercompany journal entries. The goal for each client is the inspection and examination of cash flow and resource allocation which are pivotal for their financial health. An extensive review of tax deductions and liability is crucial to maintaining Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) practices.
Landry Services Unlimited is proud to announce our expansion to our home state of Louisiana. Our primary location is Houston, Texas but our roots are in The Pelican State. Louisiana’s state motto is “Union, Justice, Confidence” which is the core of our culture. Our vision is to transform the mentality of our existing and potential clientele from an employee to a CEO and investor. Psalms 33:11 reads “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” You were meant to prosper in this lifetime. Never limit your potential due to your circumstances. Know that God has a divine plan for each of us, but He also gave us free will. Work hard, gain knowledge, and trust the opportunities that will come to you through God’s guidance.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Understanding I am a perfect imperfection allowed for the wisdom to forgive myself for past events. Through my spiritual healing journey, I learned that I am not my trauma. I am not a victim, but a survivor. For ten years, I allowed negative experiences to overshadow my happiness and peace. I was broken and in utter despair. People I loved and trusted betrayed me resulting in an unhealed version of Lisa. “Hurt people hurt people.” I began to treat others as they treated me. Insanity is doing something repeatedly expecting a different result. If I wanted a different life, I had to change my actions instead of imitating individuals operating at a lower frequency. Michelle Obama said, “When they go low, we go high.” Before my healing, my motto was “When they go low, I go to the core of Earth, ingest its contents, and spray fire like a dragon.” DRACARYS for all of the Game of Thrones fans. After reacting like a fire-breathing dragon, I regretted my demeanor. My family and friends know I am a kind, empathetic, loving, and generous individual. I had to remember who God created me to become.
“Love heals all wounds.” I began to show love to people. Realizing that everyone has encountered trauma and at times reacting to triggers gave insight into approaching confrontation. Silence is also a response. You don’t have to react! It is as simple as ignoring the negativity. If an army comes against you, then you are POWERFUL. I reclaimed my power and developed emotional intelligence. You can no longer move me because I hold my remote control. When I am attacked, I press PAUSE and enjoy the day I deserve!
Any advice for managing a team?
Management is not for the faint at heart. You will be tested every day. The key to being a successful manager is diplomacy which is “the art of dealing with people sensitively and effectively.” People are easily offended. Always choose your words wisely. If you realize your communication can affect another’s emotions or confidence, explain your error with words then revise your statement. Never speak ill of your subordinates, managers, or CEOs. When giving constructive criticism, discuss the issue but also suggest a solution. Respond with positive feedback but avoid rewarding negative behavior. Take accountability for your mistakes. Remember, you are a perfect imperfection. Push your team and coworkers to do the best of their ability. Encourage camaraderie. Be an example for others. Maintaining high morale in a society that capitalizes on flaws and division counteracts a poor workplace environment. When did it become normal to destroy people? Decide to be the change! Join the winning team.
Contact Info:
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Image Credits
Atascocita Photography