ABOUT ME
Stuart Rhoden earned his Ph.D. in Urban Education from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He is originally from Chicago, IL where he graduated and taught Service Learning at the University of Chicago Laboratory School. In addition, he was a Small School Coordinator and AP History teacher at a public high school in South Central Los Angeles. He currently is an Instructor at Arizona State University where he teaches Sociology, Critical Thinking, and Academic Success in the University College.
CHALLENGING ONESELF
Despite my best attempts at a growth mindset on this issue, I have always had a fear of heights. Phoenix has always been a curious “major city” to me. I have been enamored with the idea of a huge mountain being within the city limits. To me, I view Camelback Mountain as something beautiful, majestic and yes, dangerous. When we moved to the Phoenix area, my goal was to finally overcome my fear and climb to the top. First, I bought hiking running shoes to give me solid footing as I embarked on the climb. Then I purchased a backpack water pack to stay hydrated. I have heard the helicopters coming to rescue tourists and others who think this ascent is easy. That wasn’t going to be me.
So, with my gear in tow, and after the oppressive heat of summer, and the multitude of snowbirds and tourists during the holiday season, I finally began my first ascent in January. Knowing that I couldn’t make it to the top on the first try, I set out with the goal of trying to go at least a little bit further each time I hiked the mountain.
One day I finally reached the part of ascent that is the last stage that leads to the top. This part of the trail, however, reduces to what I call a ‘one lane highway.’ There were people frolicking down the hill with their dogs, kids and jogging (some doing all three at once). All of these free- spirited folk brought out my fear of heights. Being afraid of heights, I was extremely deferential to those coming down the hill and felt as if I was blocking those behind me who wanted to make their own ascents. I obviously didn’t want to fall off the trail, but I didn’t want to be a hinderance or get run over either. Needless to say, I turned around and climbed back down the mountain.
That last attempt to climb Camelback Mountain in Phoenix was about five years ago.
As an educator, I have had to confront many fears and challenges in the classroom. In order to be successful, I have had to prepare and have the same patience I had when I began my ascent of Camelback Mountain. It takes a step by step approach to reaching one’s professional goals – first having my own high school classroom in South Central LA, returning to grad school in my thirties, successfully completing the urban education Ph.D. program, passing my comprehensive exams, dissertation proposal and final defense, to now being a successful college level Instructor and public speaker. My desires both inside the classroom and outside the classroom have always been geared towards conquering my next goal, overcoming my next challenge. As a speaker and workshop organizer, I look to bring that same energy and, yes sometimes challenging fears, to every presentation I present. Are you interested in pushing your own boundaries? Are you ready to lean into the discomfort? Are you ready to finally climb your mountain of fears?
For more information, please click on the to schedule an appointment button below to set up a consultation and begin to be the change you want to see.
Despite my best attempts at a growth mindset on this issue, I have always had a fear of heights. Phoenix has always been a curious “major city” to me. I have been enamored with the idea of a huge mountain being within the city limits. To me, I view Camelback Mountain as something beautiful, majestic and yes, dangerous. When we moved to the Phoenix area, my goal was to finally overcome my fear and climb to the top. First, I bought hiking running shoes to give me solid footing as I embarked on the climb. Then I purchased a backpack water pack to stay hydrated. I have heard the helicopters coming to rescue tourists and others who think this ascent is easy. That wasn’t going to be me.
So, with my gear in tow, and after the oppressive heat of summer, and the multitude of snowbirds and tourists during the holiday season, I finally began my first ascent in January. Knowing that I couldn’t make it to the top on the first try, I set out with the goal of trying to go at least a little bit further each time I hiked the mountain.
One day I finally reached the part of ascent that is the last stage that leads to the top. This part of the trail, however, reduces to what I call a ‘one lane highway.’ There were people frolicking down the hill with their dogs, kids and jogging (some doing all three at once). All of these free- spirited folk brought out my fear of heights. Being afraid of heights, I was extremely deferential to those coming down the hill and felt as if I was blocking those behind me who wanted to make their own ascents. I obviously didn’t want to fall off the trail, but I didn’t want to be a hinderance or get run over either. Needless to say, I turned around and climbed back down the mountain.
That last attempt to climb Camelback Mountain in Phoenix was about five years ago.
As an educator, I have had to confront many fears and challenges in the classroom. In order to be successful, I have had to prepare and have the same patience I had when I began my ascent of Camelback Mountain. It takes a step by step approach to reaching one’s professional goals – first having my own high school classroom in South Central LA, returning to grad school in my thirties, successfully completing the urban education Ph.D. program, passing my comprehensive exams, dissertation proposal and final defense, to now being a successful college level Instructor and public speaker. My desires both inside the classroom and outside the classroom have always been geared towards conquering my next goal, overcoming my next challenge. As a speaker and workshop organizer, I look to bring that same energy and, yes sometimes challenging fears, to every presentation I present. Are you interested in pushing your own boundaries? Are you ready to lean into the discomfort? Are you ready to finally climb your mountain of fears?
For more information, please click on the to schedule an appointment button below to set up a consultation and begin to be the change you want to see.
