The first was my love for education, which didn’t start off strong. Early in my academic journey, I was labeled with a learning disability (LD). However, my parents, with my mom being a teacher and my dad in the military, weren’t willing to accept that label. They provided me with the support I needed, and I later realized that it wasn’t a lack of ability but rather a lack of effort that held me back initially. As I progressed through my education, including medical school, I grew to appreciate the value of learning. This led to my passion for education and, ultimately, the creation of the DIMES Academy.
The second reason is the alarming shortage of young adult healthcare professionals. For instance, the US healthcare industry is facing a significant gap—with projections indicating a potential deficit of thousands of physicians and a continual need for hundreds of thousands of nurses and other allied health workers in the coming years. At DIMES Academy, we recognize that this shortage not only affects patient care but also highlights the need to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. We are committed to addressing this challenge by providing robust educational opportunities, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, and ensuring that every aspiring healthcare worker has the resources and support to excel in their field.
The third reason came from my experience working with my godson, GB (Genius Buddy). While studying and working on my projects, GB would join me, showing a natural curiosity and interest in what I was doing. His enthusiasm made me realize that there was an opportunity to create something meaningful—an academy where students could be exposed to learning, critical thinking, and leadership at an early age.
Ultimately, my love for learning, medicine, and health, combined with my passion for leadership and critical thinking, inspired the creation of the DIMES Academy.