56. Becoming An Inspiration To First Generations Through Education With Michael Finkley
Education has been said to be the most powerful weapon in the world. From spending over a decade of our lives studying, it seeks to prepare us for the “real world.” Truthfully, not everyone has the privilege to pursue higher education or the career they want. But with the right influence, support, and mindset—anything is possible. As long as you keep moving forward, you can continue to spark inspiration for your future self and other people.
In this episode, Michael Finkley joins us to talk about pursuing education as a first generation student. He speaks about paying it forward by helping first-generation students be college and career-ready. Michael shares how meeting a black male teacher in 8th grade and his mother's guidance shaped who he is today. Lastly, he imparts some critical insights about the educational system and advice to people doubting themselves.
Tune in to the episode to discover how you can inspire others from the work you do!
3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Understand what it means to be a “first generation.”
Discover the power of having an inspiring role model and influence growing up.
Find out why you should keep moving forward despite the adversities that come your way.
Resources
● Connect with Michael: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
● Michael Finkley Show S2:Ep43: My British-American Life w/ Simon Osamoh
● Episode 53: How To Activate Your Dreams In Life And Live Out Your Purpose With Raven Harris
● The Finkley Experience Educational College Set by Michael Finkley
Episode Highlights
[4:15] First Generation Education
● The Finkley Experience is an educational consulting firm specializing in first-generation education.
● They assist high school students, train school administrators, and partner with colleges and universities in accommodating first-generation students.
● First-generation students are the first in their families to be receiving an Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
[6:18] The Michael Finkley Show
● The Michael Finkley Show launched on April 13, 2020. It’s now completing its third season.
● The podcast aims to inform, educate and inspire through guests’ stories and life experiences.
● Michael has interviewed almost 300 people within two years. The show will soon be celebrating its 150th episode.
[7:49] Being a First Generation
● His single mother-mom always taught him and his siblings to have a career instead of a job.
● Michael knew he wanted to be in education during his senior year in high school. His first and only black male teacher in grade school inspired him to be an educator.
● He applied to college and got accepted into Allen University. There, he found his voice and learned about his blackness.
● HBCU stands for historically black colleges and universities. Seeing examples of black excellence sparked something within him.
● Michael is currently pursuing his doctorate degree. He’s paying forward and helping as many minority students as possible to go after their dreams.
[11:27] His Mother as His First Teacher
● Children sometimes don’t understand why parents say the things they say and do the things they do.
● Michael’s mom has consistently advocated for education. She involved herself in all their educational endeavors.
● Listen to the full episode to discover what stuck most with Michael and his siblings from their mother's education!
● Their mother was Michael and his siblings’ first teacher. She started everything for them.
[14:53] Inspiring First Generations
● Receiving heartwarming messages from his students, Michael feels more encouraged to continue as an educator.
Michael: “It's such an encouraging and inspirational job, position to be in. Students come back years later and say, ‘You made a difference in my life. I finally understand what you're saying to me.’”
● Many students need inspiration for the success they can be in the future.
[16:29] Experiencing Failures and Setbacks
● Michael's initial experience of going to college was a culture shock. He eventually called his mom to get him because he wanted to drop out.
● Not coming to get him was one of the best things his mom could have ever done for him. He thrived and excelled at university.
● Michael majored in English.
● He had to pass the national Praxis test to become certified to teach. But until this day, he could never pass because standardized testing is not his strength.
● He is able to teach within the educational system through federal grants that don’t need teacher certification.
[20:22] The Importance of Having a Black Role Model
● White females dominate the academic career realm within the US.
● Michael's experience of having a black male teacher who looked like him in eighth grade made a difference to him.
● Being in the realm of education is a way of paying it forward and giving back to the community.
● Michael’s job is to continue showing up, be a role model, and educate as many students as possible.
[22:55] The Finkley Experience
● The Finkley Experience primarily caters to the first generations. But the same information can also go forward to the succeeding generations.
● They conduct tailored programs such as in-person and virtual workshops and speaking engagements.
[25:01] College and Career Readiness in the Educational System
● Different districts have different budgets that allow students to be more college and career-ready.
● Michael was in one of the districts that did not have funds available. A group in his class in 2007 was the first to get granted an opportunity to go on college tours.
● College and career readiness start with schools.
● School counselors juggle a lot of tasks. Consequently, they may not be as effective when it comes to college and career readiness.
● Schools are slowly getting it and starting to hire college counselors and career specialists.
[28:34] What Keeps Driving Michael
Michael: “I keep driving myself. I'm never in competition with anyone else. Only in myself, right? What can I do next? Enjoy the moment celebrating those successes but also thinking, ‘What can I do next to make me a better me in order to be effective for others?’”
● He is always in playful competition with his older sister with a Master's. His youngest sister is finishing up her Bachelor's.
● Michael is a lifelong learner and a lifelong teacher.
● He isn't really certain what the future holds for him. It does, however, imply that he is eager to continue learning and expanding his knowledge.
[30:40] The Power of a Parent’s Influence
● Growing up, what we hear from our parents sets the standard for us.
● Michael’s mom has guided them and is continuing to support them in their professional endeavors.
● His mother's guidance shaped his thinking to where he is today. Otherwise, he wouldn't be where he is now at all.
Simon: “I think it doesn't really matter whether you got one parent, two parents. What really matters is that someone places faith in you, someone sees something in you that they can harness, help nurture and bring out in you.”
[33:13] Michael’s Biggest Self-Discovery
● Last year was a very dark time for Michael. Despite that, the whole process humbled him.
● Now, he doesn’t say what he doesn’t live. He wants to practice what he preaches.
● He’s embracing more of himself now that he has reached his 30s.
● As he learns more about himself each day, he becomes more engaging with the people he interacts with.
[36:31] Michael’s Advice to Someone Doubting Themself
● We have a right to sit in the unsure places in our life as long as we figure out ways to rise above them.
Michael: "If you have an idea, if you have that next venture, it's going to take some time. You're going to have those hard and tough moments, but still pursue them. Continue to walk, and I'll give that you have to crawl first, right? That means that you're still moving."
● Michael’s has only launched his show last year, but the idea started years ago.
● Consistency and faith in the mission of his podcast allow him to interview amazing people and build relationships.
● Keep moving no matter how scared you are. Someone out there takes inspiration from what you do.
● Continuing to move forward is the only way to become who you will become in the future.
[41:27] Who The Finkley Experience Caters To
● High school students.
● Educators who want to learn the best practices in helping first-generation students
● Colleges, organizations, nonprofits, societies, fraternities, sororities deal with college readiness.
● Although they specialize in first-generation education, the information is available to all.
About Michael
Michael Finkley is an educator, author, and speaker. He has served in various roles in higher education, including teaching, college admissions, career services, student affairs, diversity, inclusion, etc. Michael is the Executive Director of The Finkley Experience, an educational consulting firm specializing in first-generation education. He is also the author of The Finkley Experience Educational College Set.
Michael has spoken at many higher education institutions, including Harvard University. He is a recipient of the Allen University Educational Award and is an Honorary Member of the National Technical Honors Society. Presently, Michael hosts The Michael Finkley Show Podcast.
If you want to reach out to Michael, you can contact him through the Michael Finkley Show and The Finkley Experience. You can also get in touch with him through Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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