We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Toni Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Toni thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

My first job as a social worker was with Child Protective Services. I learned a lot about working with families and people during that time. I was only 24 years old when I started that job and it completely opened my eyes to the realities of the real world. I’ve worked with a lot of children throughout my career. I’ve mentored teens and also provided trainings to parents to support them in keeping their families together. One of the most defining moments of my career as a social worker was becoming a mentor to one of the teens on my caseload. She grew up in my neighborhood and she was a victim of her family’s unfortunate circumstances. I stayed in touch with her after her case closed to ensure she always knew she had support. She had children of her own and I have supported her in her own motherhood journey. My relationship with her has helped me grow as a person. She looks up to me and that reminds me my work as a social worker is important. People from my neighborhood need support and love. She reminded me to always help my community and stay supportive of my people.

Toni, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in Dallas (Oak Cliff), Texas. I always wanted to work at a bank when I was younger. I was good at math and I thought people who worked at the bank were rich. After I graduated from David W. Carter High School I attended UNT for my undergraduate studies. I started as a business major but I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Honestly I wasn’t the best college student. I partied, skipped, and did things last minute. My first few semester’s I had to learn how to be disciplined in my studies. My GPA was low and I wasn’t doing great in business school and it didn’t feel like what I wanted to do. I knew I needed to make some changes. One spring break I took a trip with the college, they called it “Alternative Spring Break”. We helped shelters, visited kids in the hospital, and worked with some local organizations in the San Antonio community. I really enjoyed the trip and I felt so inspired to help people and work with children. When I returned to school the next semester I spoke with my counselor about switching majors. I became a social work student in and I graduated from college two years later with my degree. I took a year off from school to work and establish my career then I went on to get my Masters in Social Work from Texas A&M Commerce. I worked as a social worker and currently I have pivoted into teaching history. So far it’s been a great experience and I’m learning a lot about history. My hobbies include reading, I created a book blog to share my book reviews and share positive moments in my life. More recently I started a YouTube channel where I share my hair/skin journey, I do interviews on a show I call “TT talks”. I’m still learning a lot about editing and creating videos. These days I like to keep a healthy balance between my career goals and my personal goals and aspirations.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn putting everyone before myself and not minding my own business. I grew up an only child so I always wanted friends. I wasn’t confident in myself growing up and when I made friends I was all in. I would do anything for them even at my own expense because I wanted to be loved and accepted. I had to learn to love myself, say no, and realize when things were not my problem and move on.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Before I started my own YouTube channel “TTSHAVEDITALLOFF” I worked with a radio station as a cohost on one of their shows. It was an enlightening experience but after a while I realized I could work for myself and create my own platform. I wanted to interview people, share my stories, and have a space where I can share my creativity. I had to walk away from the radio station and pursue what felt right to me. I have learned how to edit videos, make logos, and create my own interview platform. I look forward to unlocking even more of my potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://headnbooks.blogspot.com
• Instagram: ttheadnbookz
• Youtube: TTSHAVEDITALLOFF