Ed.D. Perspectives: Deborah D. Washington

Members of the Ed.D. program past and present share their thoughts, perspectives, and experiences. This issue, we hear from Deborah D. Washington, a principal in the Rochester City School District, who shares a story of finding support in the unlikeliest of places.

A Good and Perfect Gift Sent from Above

I firmly believe that no one enters our lives by mere coincidence. Every person has a purpose, whether it's to fulfill a need or provide support. Some people are present only for a season, while others remain for a lifetime. Those who stay for the long haul are like the roots of a tree, offering unwavering support without seeking recognition. For me, that person was Mr. James Smith, Jr., a good and perfect gift sent from above.

Mr. Smith was a cornerstone of the southwest community in Rochester, New York. He owned a small grocery store called J-E Grocery Store that not only supplied food but also created jobs and opportunities in a neighborhood that was in dire need of both. Furthermore, through the Plymouth Avenue Business Association (PABA), he offered scholarships to some students and even covered the college expenses for others. As a little girl I often patronized the grocery store, unaware of the impact Mr. Smith would have on my life. He frequently reached out to the youth, myself included, to check in on how we were doing academically, socially, and emotionally. He offered words of encouragement and emphasized the importance of getting an education or acquiring skills to build a future. For me, he made a point to check in regularly, always asking about my grades and my plans after high school. I felt a deep sense of pride knowing that he cared about my success and saw potential in me that I hadn't yet recognized.

In my senior year of high school, one of my teachers suggested that I apply for college. I remember telling her that no one in my family had ever attended college—there were no bachelor’s degrees, no master’s degrees, and no doctorate degrees in my family. She simply replied, "Then you get it started." And that's exactly what I did. I began my journey by applying to colleges and securing funding. I applied for various scholarships, grants, and financial aid. During this time, Mr. Smith encouraged me to apply for a scholarship offered by the Plymouth Avenue Business Association. To my surprise, I was not only awarded a scholarship from the PABA but also received five additional scholarships. The combined funds, along with financial aid, enabled me to earn my bachelor’s degree without any additional cost.

As I worked towards my master’s degree, Mr. Smith continued to support me by offering me a job at J-E Grocery store. It felt like a good and perfect gift sent from above. I was overjoyed with the support and guidance Mr. Smith provided. He was a very present help in my time of need, as well as the needs of others. His generosity extended to many individuals who pursued careers in fields like taxation, court stenography, education, and more. This support helped me pay tuition, cover household bills, and provide for my children while I attended classes.

Mr. Smith became a foundational figure in my life, consistently offering support through advice, financial assistance, and resources. His leadership skills greatly influenced my own journey to becoming a leader. From him, I learned to lead with integrity and compassion, to manage employees, plan schedules, and keep inventory. His leadership practices were pivotal in shaping me into the leader I am today. My drive to achieve more, which started humbly, eventually led me to the Executive Leadership program at St. John Fisher University—a constant reminder of how one person's influence can leave a lasting impression on your life.

Mr. Smith was a pillar in the neighborhood, providing essential goods and services to an area struggling with poverty and low-income housing. His generosity extended well beyond the grocery store, reaching those who aspired to higher education or a better future. Even after he closed the store in 2001, Mr. Smith stayed in touch and continued to support me by attending some of my theatrical events. He passed away last year, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories. At his funeral, I thanked his wife and daughters for allowing me the privilege of knowing Mr. Smith. I shared with the audience that while we had lost a legend, heaven had gained an angel. It was an incredible opportunity to have experienced the love and kindness of Mr. James Smith, Jr., who was truly a gift from above. May he rest in peace.