Today we’d like to introduce you to Da’Nall Wilmer.
Da’Nall, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The interesting part about my life story is that I never planned to be an educator. I never in a million years thought that I would become an author or work with children at all. My initial goal was to be a news reporter. I graduated from Clark Atlanta University where I studied Mass Media Arts. Soon after I graduated, I was forced to move back home to Baltimore because I couldn’t find a job in my field of study. I suddenly had the idea that I would become a substitute teacher, only expecting it to be a temporary experience. Little did I know at the time that teaching and impacting the lives of our youth was my true calling.
So, I changed my career. I went back to school and received a Master’s Degree in Education. I began my teaching career in Baltimore and even founded a youth leadership program by the name of “Boys in the Good.” My success as an educator and a mentor inspired me to write a children’s book, “The Good Book: A Kid’s Guide to Becoming a Successful Student Leader.” Soon after, I returned to Atlanta after being granted the opportunity to teach at the Ron Clark Academy, which in itself has been a tremendous blessing. So, my journey has been one that was unexpected but impactful in many different ways. It wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not! I’ve had my share of challenges along the way, but they all made me who I am today. It can be defeating to not have a sense of purpose. During my time in college, I felt that purpose especially while achieving academically and being a student leader on campus. I had no idea that the real world would be much different. When I finished school, I hit a low point and even became depressed for a while because I felt like I no longer had purpose. I believed at the time that my best days were behind me without realizing that my best days were still ahead of me. I always understood the importance of having faith, but it was much easier said than done. When I realized that teaching was my calling, I felt that sense of purpose again. Even during my tenure as a teacher, there were challenges but I turned those challenges into lessons that can help my students achieve. Having faith and understanding that God did not bring us this far to abandon us was my biggest life lesson. Many of us hit low points in life and can’t help but get consumed in the difficulties of those experiences. It’s important to understand that our struggles do not define us, but in fact, they prepare us for what God has in store for us later. And, later is always better than today.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Good Book – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
So, I take a great deal of pride being a teacher and a mentor. Most recently, I used my experiences in these roles to inspire our youth in a more creative approach. Last year, I became a children’s book author and published my first book. When I founded “Boys in the Good,” I received so many requests from schools all over the country inquiring how they could get the program implemented at their schools. At the time, “Boys in the Good” had just started and the kids in the program were doing such phenomenal work. They were receiving many awards and were being recognized by various dignitaries and media outlets. I wasn’t quite ready to expand the program, but I wanted to find a creative way to spread our story and message throughout the world.
So, I wrote “The Good Book: A Kid’s Guide to Becoming a Successful Student Leader.” I’ve always believed that it is a lot easier to build up strong children as opposed to fixing broken men. That was the premise behind the development of “Boys in the Good” and the inspiration behind “The Good Book.” The book teaches children how to reach their fullest potential and become leaders through four keys aims – giving, optimism, originality, and determination. I had the opportunity to collaborate with an illustrator by the name of Cameron Wilson, who was able to bring our story to life. What I’m most proud of is the fact that the characters in the book were all inspired by four of my former students, Carter, Deshaun, Jai’ree and Mekhi. I think most people will appreciate that this book follows four African-American boys spreading a positive message. This is something that you don’t typically see in children’s books. I think that’s what sets this book apart from most and I’m very proud of that.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Although I am originally from Baltimore, there is so much about Atlanta that I love. I attended college here and progressed in my career here. I would have to say that I love the weather, the people and the overall positive atmosphere that I experience each day. It’s nothing like southern hospitality and coming in contact with people who simply care to ask, “How are you doing today?” There are so many opportunities in this city and supportive people who just want to see you do well. As far as what like least about the city – the traffic! I’ve gotten used to it for the most part, but it’s so bad and congested on the highways. Now I see why so many people say, “Atlanta is full!” Also, there’s no city that has the better crabs than my hometown in Baltimore. At least I haven’t found it yet.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.boysinthegood.com
- Email: boysinthegood@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @danalltyrell
- Facebook: facebook.com/danalltyrell
- Twitter: @danalltyrell
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Book-Becoming-Successful-Student/dp/0692155910/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+good+book+wilmer&qid=1562264420&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Image Credit:
Iconic Image Photography
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