About
About Dr. Lawrence
I believe in the principle that “knowledge is power,” and I’ve spent my career helping people build their body or knowledge to increase their personal and professional productivity.
Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams: My Unconventional Path to Success
Have you ever had someone that’s an authority figure tell you that you couldn’t do something?
That happened to me in my senior year of high school I was doing the things I needed to do to prepare for college. Part of that prep was to meet with the counselor for guidance.
I remember going to his office all excited about the sharing with him my plans for attending college. I sat down across the desk from him in one of those uncomfortable wooden chairs. I was smiling from ear to ear anticipating the wonderful encouragement he would provide.
He was short and to the point starting off staying “you should start thinking about a vocation to take instead of going to college.” The big smile left my face and bracing myself not knowing what he would say next. My hands were clinching the hard wooden chair I was sitting in thinking should I leave or stay to not hear anything else he had to say; but I was frozen and could not move.
He went on to say “I was not college material and should not waste my time and money going to college.” I was devastated that he would say such a thing discouraging my dreams, goals, and ambition and life plan. How dare him tearing me down instead as a counselor building me up. How dare him to tell me I cannot do something. Who was he to throw me into a stereotype pigeon hole of what my life should be.
I finally mustered enough energy from the shock to get up and leave his office before I start crying (Key rule, “never let the enemy see you crying”). I cried most of the walk home.
By the time I got home, I had worked out a plan to prove him wrong—“I am college material.”
Rising Beyond Expectations: My Academic Odyssey
Actually when I look back on the horrifying ordeal perhaps that was the best thing that could happen to shape me into the person I am today.
To prove him wrong, I went on to earn an Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree; and a PhD all while working full-time to pay tuition (except when completing the doctoral residency). In addition, in later years, I developed two successful businesses and now working on a third.
I lost track of him and cannot even remember his name therefore, was never able to let him know what his hurtful advice produced.
Lesson Learned: “Never let someone else determine your future—that is your job.”
That experience is why I do what I do. I help to empower others by providing support to reach their goals. To let them know what they don’t know to keep moving forward to be the best person they can be.
I shared my story because life’s journey is never going to be easy or clear, but never give up.
Here is a quote by W.A. Mathieu that a friend shared with me:
“When you are clear about what you want to learn, you will find your teacher. The teacher is already there. The two of you will meet because you are looking for each other.”
Credits
Here are some of the experiences and passions Dr. Carolena Lyons Lawrence brings to help build your body of knowledge in using productivity communication resources:
Speaker at national and international conferences on business communications productivity resource topics.
Wrote professional articles contributing proven theories and procedures in business communication, collaboration, and career development.
Taught graduate and undergraduate business and business communications courses at San Diego State University and California State University – Fresno.
Developed and conducted training seminars and classes on topics in business communications, delegation, collaboration, and career development.
Developed strategic planning programs for churches and organizations
