ISBN: 978-1880463-87-1 | Publication: 2023 | Pages 128 • $19.95

Foreword – Andrew McGee, Ed.S.

I am honored to write this foreword, for my colleague and friend Mychal Wynn, who has delegated his career to serving underprivileged children and marginalized communities. Our professional beliefs consist of leveling the playing ground for all children to rise above the challenges. I believe the Who I Am series of books provides an opportunity for teachers to be enriched and strengthened by the strategies presented in this, and each book in the series. However, the real winners are students for whom Mr. Wynn, as a child of poverty, has gained unique insight. In this book, Mr. Wynn is advocating for students to, in his own words, “Own the Process.” The strategies set forth are commonsense, doable, and guide students along the pathway to owning their educational outcomes and placing themselves onto their desired career trajectories.

After reviewing, participating, and engaging in the discussions on how the work he is doing is helping to excite the work of teachers and motivate students, Mychal Wynn has supported the work of enriching lives by giving hope to students attending any school, but especially students attending Title I schools. As a child of poverty, Mr. Wynn believes that any student is entitled to dream and to receive the guidance for pursuing their dreams.

As a former Director of Federal Programs for 27 years, and Deputy Superintendent of Turnaround Schools, I have first-hand experience with the unique challenges facing school districts who serve challenging populations. However, as a child of poverty, Mr. Wynn writes from a unique perspective—one of empowerment. He is a walking, talking, and living manifestation of the potential of all children, no matter where they live or where they attend school. While campuses are challenged with increasing student achievement and effectively serving students who are disadvantaged, marginalized and underserved across racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, Mr. Wynn has not only provided the tools to inspire, but is working day-by-day in the trenches inspiring students and opening pathways into some of the country’s most selective colleges and universities, on the strength of full scholarships, and without the lifelong burden of student loan debt. I have attended national and state conferences, where I listened with appreciation and attentiveness as Mychal Wynn defined his mission and vision to involve schools, students, parents, teachers, and communities to embrace a shared capacity building vision for our children. 

It is inspiring to see Who I Am going wide. The informational discussion helps teachers and students alike get better at becoming the person they wish to be. Wynn’s powerful strategies and research base is intended to support best practices for all students. This book provides valuable lessons on information assurance and covers the necessary strategies. Who I Am is a critical topic to your personality, temperament, intelligence, mindset, and grit providing insight to who you are. 

Andrew McGee, Ed.S.
Deputy Superintendent
Turn Around Schools
Author of A Champion Within: 4 Essential Principles, A Guide for Male Students of Color

Table of Contents: 

  • Student Contributors 
  • Foreword – Andrew McGee, Ed.S. 
  • From the Author 
  • How to Use This Book 
    • The Socratic Method
  • Chapter 1: Why I Am Here
  • Chapter 2: My Time Management Plan 
    • Sample Weekday Schedule
    • Jocelyne’s Résumé
    • Time Spent on Each Activity Table
    • Williams College Award Letter 
    • Daily Activity Commitment Table
    • Daily Class Commitment Table
    • The Importance of Having a Plan 
  • Chapter 3: My Study Approach 
    • Illustration: Decision-making Stairs 
    • Nishan’s Résumé 
  • Final Chapter: My Study Skills Plan 
    • High Value-Low Value Table
  • References 
  • Index 
  • Other Books