We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sesha Woodard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sesha , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s go back in time a bit – can you share a story of a time when you learned an important lesson during your education?
I was in tears! Yes. I was standing there crying because I didn’t feel encouraged or supported. The teacher that was yelling at me with a voice and tone that could pop a ballon by merely grazing it with a hand. I wasn’t even in kindergarten yet. It was daycare/pre-k. I remember her hair color, and the color of her shirt. My classmates and I were playing the game Twister and this teacher was overseeing us. In the game of Twister, directions of right and left are in fact important. I had no idea that progress toward knowing my right from left was a just cause for the response she dished out towards me- in this “learning” stage of my life.
This memory stuck with me. The feeling of wanting to simply play and have fun turned into a not so good experience for me. Now, let’s fast forward to the present. A part of my journey included developing a love for science and dance. I earned my Bachelors Degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Strayer University. My industy experience includes serving as a Biologist, Scientist, Training Coordinator and Risk Manager. As an experienced scientist in industry and having acquired nearly 30 years of dance experience, I started Dropping Seeds in Motion to engage and teach students science using movement and dance. Essentially, capitalizing on the brain/body connection!
The name of my business embodies what I mention above and also brings an awareness, specifically related to how those that work directly with children need to be intentional about WHAT they say to them, HOW they speak to them and even how they show up. Sometimes adults are not aware of the impact they have on children. We have to be careful as we go along our day. We must stay aware and conscious of what we drop, intentional and unintentional. We can’t drop junk! We need to bring our good attitudes, smiles and encouraging words and actions- no matter how we feel that day. We purpose to do just that in Dropping Seeds in Motion! We offer dance and movement integrated programs that get students excited about pursuing careers in science and increasing representation of BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People of Color), especially women in the field of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math). The first priority is to always be intentional about connecting with the students, teachers and educators we serve. I love working with the youth and providing professional development opportunities for teachers and educators by serving as a Professional Development/ Workshop Facilitator and Conference Speaker.
As a licensed dance minister, in some programs, I am able to share with youth and teach the power of praise and worship through dance as well- one of my other passions! For more info about Dropping Seeds in Motion visit www.DroppingSeedsinMotion.com
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I was teaching earth science for a short while at a local high school and realized then how the system and approach to teaching and engaging students needed to change and shift. It was then I realized the deeper breath and depth of how I can use my God given talents to help students learn and retain science concepts and actually enjoy what they were learning- by integrating the arts. From then on, I have been on a mission to provide workshops in schools, summer camps, afterschool programs and beyond with the intent to bring the art of dance and movement in the learning environment.
I am also trained in Action Based Learning which supports maximizing the benefits of the brain/body connection. As a trained and experienced scientist with industry experience, I also help to paint a picture for students of potential opportunities they can pursue, bridging the classroom with the business world.
I created a Science Moves, Quick Start Guide for science teachers that want to learn how to integrate dance and movement within their curriculum and lesson plans to help increase the academic success of the students they serve. It includes training videos, lesson plans and access to the private Facebook Group for continued support and more. I want people to know that it is ok to get out of the box when it comes to educating and supporting students and the measure of a child’s success is not always based on standardized tests. Let’ s work together to help students develop a love of learning. Through serving as a Conference Speaker, Workshop Facilitator and Presenter, I am excited to continue to share the “How” via my framework and provide strategies that can be implemented immediately in nearly any learning environment.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I haven’t come across many dancers that are trained, experienced scientists as well…..and a women of color. With my professional background in studying the biological sciences and acquiring nearly 30 years of dance training in various dance forms including ballet, jazz, modern, african, liturgical and tap, I think people, including the youth I serve see me in a class of my own. I remember being contacted by an organization that was looking to provide a unique professional development experience for their annual conference. The organizer was so excited to connect with me, and said ” You are a Unicorn! and what they were looking for.” I think people are looking for the “different”, the “unique”, the “against the grain”. That’s me! I have witnessed students learn more in one of Dropping Seeds in Motion’s 30 min science through dance integration workshops than in an hour long lesson with someone verbally delivering content. Integrating the arts makes a difference and the data supports this approach as well! There are thousands of research studies that support the benefits of art integration in the classroom, including movement and dance!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Mindset and consistency is key. Investing in yourself through business coaching and getting in a space where others have the same growth mindset can be critical to your success as a business owner. Being consistent is key to success. Don’t delay on pursuing opportunities, making follow up calls etc. I remember when I landed my 1st client. It was somewhat uncomfortable being vulnerable but it is where the growth and confidence manifested. This vulnerability landed me a 2 year contract.
In the beginning stages of starting a business, you may think taking on ‘any’ client is good but I have learned to invest time and energy in my ‘ideal’ client. This approach can prevent mental, emotional and physical burnout. Embrace who you are completely. As a Wife, Mom, Entrepreneur, and Author my spiritual walk plays a huge part in who I am as an individual. I wrote a devotional titled: “From Heaven through Nature, Holy Spirit Downloads for Divine Instruction and Encouragement”. Sharing this literary work allows me to connect with others to provide support and encouragement for many people in all walks of life. I am working on my second book and excited to share with the world!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DroppingSeedsinMotion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsimotion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DroppingSeedsinMotion
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sesha-woodard-mpa-rqap-glp-5a340710?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
Image Credits
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