Jace L. WhitakerThanks for dropping by to learn more about me, my work, and the passions I pursue. Currently, I serve in two professional roles:
|
My Story"The past, like the future, is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities."
—Stephen Hawkings |
Having grown up in Idaho, with the Tetons and Rocky Mountains stretching across my backyard, there has always been an air of openness and independence in my life. I learned, at an early age, to be at home beneath the mountains and mighty pines. Nature informs a good portion of what I do. It entails my recognition of the time that true change takes, my stewardship to both the land and people, and the admiration for the beauty of differences.
At the heart of it, I'm a storyteller and I love the work I do. So let me begin by telling you my story and how I arrived at my career of choice. I'm a first generation college student, which means I'm the first in my family to attend and graduate college. I came from humble beginnings with modest means, growing up in places many would label ghettos or slums. But it was in those places that I grew resilient and learned the value of things. Without the financial security or social capital to attend college, but still left with the resounding desire to grow and be part of something larger than myself, I decided to join the United States Navy. This commitment to serve America--for the past thirteen years—has provided me with a global perspective and unparalleled leadership opportunities, while also paving my way and affording me the financial ability to attend college. Upon matriculating to college, without the support of ability to navigate higher education, I floundered academically and socially. It wasn't until I became involved in Collegiate DECA that I inherently began to identify with my college experience and rapidly improved my academic standing. From there, I've been on the path towards understanding and creating the co-curricular student experience for students across the country. This is my passion. This is my life's work. |
My Vision"The empires of the future, are empires of the mind."
—Winston Churchill |
My education vision in life is simple. I intend to open the door to education for all. My belief is that education, as well as learning, comes in many shapes and sizes—whether that is in the form of books, friends, family, the military, schools, churches, nature, libraries, camps, and so forth. These common educational experiences, when pieced together, make up the core of who we are. They help teach us, define us, and grow us. They are, in significant part, our identity. Thus, opening the door to education is a step in opening the door to our own personal fulfillment.
It's also in these educational opportunities that we begin to experience the advancement of self and soul. And it's in the expression of the human soul that I've always found my most pleasurable experiences. From reading the works of calloused old poets like Charles Bukowski to viewing artistic pioneers like Jackson Pollock, from listening to musical soothsayers like Nina Simone to being inspired by visionaries like Simon Sinek. Ultimately, I believe the contributions of the human soul are infinite and have the ability to captivate others. It's only when we begin to align our soul with our work, that we develop true purpose and vision; which, are phenomenon that have been known to move mountains, build empires, and shatter barriers. The cornerstone of my work has always revolved around a purpose larger than myself. My personal visions of purpose are based on my four foundational principles: honor, courage, commitment, and justice. These principles help to act as a moral compass in guiding my work and paradigms. |
My Future"Have a healthy disregard for the impossible."
—LeaderShape |
In Shakespeare's iteration of Julius Caesar (2003, act I, scene 2) Caesar beneath his breath remarks to Anthony, "Let me have men about me that are fat, sleek-headed men and such as sleep a-nights. Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous." While I'm not dangerous, I am ambitious, hungry, and driven. I'm a young man with a dream and in that dream I see a world that has the potential to accomplish so many spectacular things. I want to excel in whatever I do, both out of the personal pride I take in my work and my Icarian desire to fly higher and further than anyone before me. To say the least, I'm excited where this adventures will take me in the end.
|