Conversations with Dessie Hall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dessie Hall.

Hi Dessie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been working with the state of Georgia for over 21 years. Since working in higher education, I found my niche and pursued my consulting business. I train student leaders and advisors in the U.S.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t. Prior to launching my business, I had a life-threatening illness which resulted in me having my first brain surgery. I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and Hydrocephalus. I had a VP shunt installed. From this encounter, I started a support group to help other warriors. Since offering the support group, I eventually started helping warriors start fundraisers to prepare for their brain surgeries. I spread awareness about my condition on my platform using social media and during my speaking tours.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been working in higher education for over 13 years. Currently, I’m employed with Atlanta Technical College (ATC). I’m the director of student activities. I’m responsible for planning and hosting student activities, training students and advisors, and serving as the liaison for the college. In addition, I serve as the coordinator for our exchange program in which students travel to Germany to experience the culture and job shadow. I consider my job to be my calling. I’m most proud of the success stories that come out of ATC. Not everyone’s pathway has been easy. To watch students blossom and excel in the midst of hardships, disappointments, and tragedies have been the most rewarding part of my job. They teach me the importance of perseverance.

What sets me apart from others is my level of commitment to my job and students. As I serve students, I consider the probability that it could be me or someone I know that needs that support right now. Often times, I find myself coaching or motivating students. Some are faced with roadblocks as they pursue their education. They’re forced with a decision to put college on hold to fulfill needs at home. I try to encourage them to finish what they’ve started so they can get closer to their dream of working in their careers or launching their business.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Yes. I had a total of three brain surgeries. However, since my first brain surgery in 2017, I had two more in 2019. It wasn’t an easy road. Leading up to my first surgery, I didn’t realize until my diagnosis that I could have died or my life could have been altered for the rest of my life. IIH is a condition that mimics a brain tumor. Your brain actually thinks it has a tumor. It can cause blindness, sinus problems, affect your mobility, etc. A CSF leak is a brain leak that can result in brain fluid leaking from your nose and ear. Hydrocephalus is known as “water on the brain,” in which much Cerebrospinal fluid is surrounding your brain. It can cause severe brain damage. It can make your brain swell. If left untreated, it can lead to death. I’m a survivor! I was determined not to let this illness defeat me. I learned all I could about it so I can spread awareness and help others. I plan to launch my nonprofit in 2021 to help other warriors with the resources needed to get the care they need.

Contact Info:

• Email: Dessiehallspeaks@gmail.com
• Website: www.dessiehall.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/dessiespeaks
• Facebook: http://Facebook.com/dessiespeaks
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/dessiespeaks

Image Credits
Cosekk Photography (2 professional images)