Looking back on my career, it is easy to see the milestones and awards and think they came from talent alone. But anyone who has worked alongside me knows that the real drivers have always been tenacity, discipline, and a commitment to managing my time wisely. Becoming the first Black tenured journalism professor at the University of Mississippi in 2020 was not just a personal achievement. It was a reflection of decades of hard work, persistence, and strategic focus.
From my earliest days as a young journalist, I learned that talent alone is not enough. Growing up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, I was raised by my grandparents, who instilled in me the value of hard work and respect for others. I applied those lessons to every part of my life. Whether it was excelling in photography competitions in high school or navigating the challenges of college and graduate school, I learned to approach each task with seriousness, organization, and a commitment to doing my best.
Prioritizing What Matters
One of the first lessons in effective time management is learning to prioritize. I often tell my students that not everything you are asked to do is equally important. Early in my career, I juggled multiple internships, freelance assignments, and schoolwork. I quickly realized that I could not give equal energy to every task. I began identifying the top priorities each day, what I call my “top five.” These were the most critical actions that would move my goals forward, whether completing an assignment, preparing for a shoot, or conducting interviews.
This approach became essential when I moved into academia. Teaching, research, publishing, mentoring students, and writing books all demanded attention. By identifying what required immediate focus, I could allocate my energy efficiently and avoid feeling overwhelmed. The discipline of prioritization is not just about getting things done. It is about doing the right things consistently.
Consistency and Tenacity
Consistency is often overlooked in conversations about success. Many people assume breakthroughs happen in a flash, but the reality is that achievement is built on sustained effort over time. My journey to tenured professor included years of meticulous work: grading papers, designing courses, mentoring students, conducting research, and writing articles and books. Each step required attention to detail and follow-through.
Tenacity is about refusing to give up, even when the path is difficult. Being a Black woman in journalism and academia often meant I was the only person who looked like me in the room. There were times I was underestimated or overlooked. But I allowed my work to speak for itself. I learned to persevere quietly, staying focused on the goals I had set for myself while letting recognition follow later. Tenacity means showing up, even when others doubt you, and maintaining the belief that your work matters.
The Role of Planning
Effective time management also requires planning. I organize my days, weeks, and months carefully, using tools and techniques that help me track progress and avoid burnout. Deadlines are constant in journalism and academia, and the ability to plan ahead prevents small tasks from becoming crises. Planning allows me to balance professional responsibilities with personal life. It gives me space to pursue creative projects like my jewelry business and to dedicate time to family and personal well-being.
For anyone trying to balance high-achievement careers with personal fulfillment, planning is non-negotiable. It is a way of respecting your own time and ensuring that you can meet obligations without sacrificing your health or happiness.
Learning to Say No
Another crucial skill I developed is learning to say no. Opportunities are abundant, but time is finite. I have had to make difficult choices about where to invest my energy. Saying no is not rejection. It is an affirmation of priorities. By protecting my time, I was able to dedicate myself to the work that mattered most: mentoring students, advancing research, and contributing meaningfully to my field.
This principle also applies to personal projects. When I began making jewelry and launching my Etsy shop, I had to balance creative time with professional responsibilities. I scheduled my work in a way that allowed both to flourish without compromising either. Saying no strategically created space for the pursuits that would provide the most fulfillment.
Mentorship and Collaboration
While personal discipline is essential, success is rarely achieved alone. I have benefited from mentors who guided me, challenged me, and encouraged me to reach higher. I have also mentored others, recognizing that teaching is as much about learning as it is about imparting knowledge. Collaboration and support networks are crucial in managing the demands of a high-achieving career. They provide perspective, accountability, and encouragement when the journey feels long or difficult.
Reflection and Adaptation
Finally, time management and tenacity require reflection. I regularly assess how I spend my time and adjust strategies as needed. What worked in graduate school may not work in a tenured position. Life circumstances change, and flexibility is key. Reflection allows me to maintain focus on long-term goals while adapting to immediate needs. It keeps me grounded, intentional, and mindful of the impact of my choices.
Inspiring Others
Becoming the first Black tenured journalism professor at Ole Miss was the culmination of years of strategic effort. It required prioritization, consistency, planning, and resilience. It required saying no when necessary and seeking support when helpful. Most of all, it required believing that my work had value and that I could achieve excellence without compromising my integrity.
I share these lessons not just to celebrate my own journey, but to offer guidance to others pursuing ambitious goals. High achievement is possible when you approach your work with purpose, discipline, and a clear sense of priorities. Time management and tenacity are not just skills. They are habits, attitudes, and practices that can transform a career and a life.