In celebration of Black History Month, Guilford welcomed the motivational speakers of the “Make it Happen” organization to talk with undergraduates on vocational success. “The goal of their non-profit, Make it Happen, is to provide a realistic context about life and to encourage students to follow their passions and dreams,” wrote Jada Drew, Africana Community coordinator, in an email. “The speakers are Black males who do not fit the stereotype that we see in the media.”
The visiting duo- who co-founded “Make it Happen”- is John Tobias and Lamont Estes. Tobias is a freelance statistician for the NBA, NFL, FOX Sports, and ESPN News, and Estes is a career firefighter, entrepreneur, and published author.
While the speakers found common ground discussing sports with the group of 25, mostly athlete Guilford students, the discussion focused on a different playing field.
“Being black in America isn’t easy,” said Tobias. “A lot of times it isn’t an even playing field. But we can’t use that as an excuse. No one can hold you back.”
The “Make it Happen” organization is their way of challenging the difficulty in finding fulfilling work. Their mission is to equip students with the career skills vital to success.
“College teaches you a lot but it cannot teach you about the real world,” said Estes.
Tobias and Estes derive their lessons from their own real-world experience. Their personal success stories are a testament to the virtues of hard work, research, and networking.
“I am successful, not because I’m smarter. I knew what I wanted and I went after it. That’s it,” said Tobias.
Tobias acknowledged that while success does require hard work, the job field is no meritocracy. Finding a good job involves knowing the right people-and even more so-disassociating yourself with negative influences.
“If you really network and form relationships with people, you’ll separate yourself from those who hate their jobs,” explained Tobias. “You really have to surround yourself with positive people.”
Along with networking, Estes and Tobias asked students to look at themselves before entering the work force.
“Once you step into the professional world, you’ve got to think like a professional,” said Estes. “If you want to be treated like a gentleman, you have to respect yourself.”
While success is not easily defined, Tobias and Estes agreed that it begins with doing what you love.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re white or black, male or female, 22 or 42, everybody wants to be happy,” said Tobias, “And the money is going to come if you love what you do and you’re happy.”
As the discussion drew to a close, Tobias and Estes distributed contact information to their audience. They reminded students that their business card could be the beginnings of students’ own endeavors into networking.
“I love networking,” said sophomore Adam Watkins. “I have always felt I was strong at networking, and hearing this tonight makes me feel like I’m doing the right thing.”
This kind of reassurance is the mission of “Make it Happen.” A theme of their message is in finding support.
“If you know what you want to do, you have to be able to ask for help,” said Tobias.
Holly Wilson, director of multicultural education, reflected on the value of a message poignant beyond Black History Month.
“I don’t think this message was specific to Black History Month,” said Wilson. “But this program does give more exposure to these kinds of events. It’s always important to hear from people exercising their vocation.