My Flyer story: Building a village

To me, the University of Dayton was much more than a campus; it was my training ground for purpose. UD provided me the space to be creative, build genuine relationships, and get inspired to create meaningful change in my life and in the world around me — a purpose I am still carrying out to this day.

While at UD from 2008 to 2012, I joined Dayton Civic Scholars, and as a lifelong Daytonian, it allowed me to see a different side of my home, my community. Dayton, the “Gem City,” is a beautiful city with a multitude of dimensions, and Dayton Civic Scholars taught me how to utilize my talents to revitalize my community. Our cohort worked with grassroots organizations, local neighborhoods, business associations and Meadowdale High School to empower students to take ownership and leadership roles in their neighborhood. Through that work, we helped bridge UD’s campus to the surrounding Dayton community.

Being a recipient of the Learn, Lead, Serve Award allowed me to travel to Cameroon, and that experience changed my life. Studying abroad would not have been possible for me without the award. When I traveled abroad, I was reminded that the world is bigger than myself, and it challenged me to step into the world with courage.

While in Cameroon, I learned an African tradition that left a lasting mark on me: a young man leaves his village for seven years to explore the world. When he returns, he brings back new knowledge gained, prepared to serve his people and proven to lead his own family. That tradition spoke to me deeply, and as I look back, it has become my story.

I completed my master’s in divinity at The Master’s Seminary in Sun Valley, California, followed by involvement in start-up ventures and community work local to Sun Valley and later in Texas. Yet, even as I served elsewhere, I kept my ear to the ground to never lose touch with Dayton. And, true to that tradition, after seven years away, I returned home —this time with my wife and our two daughters; we had the beginnings of our village!

“Dayton is home. It’s a city with grit, beauty and endless layers. I was raised in a city with numerous complexities, and UD helped me harness a passion for community building and transformation.”

Back in Dayton, my heart was once again drawn to collaborate with stakeholders and changemakers, especially among those who directly impact our youth in Dayton City Schools. But I also noticed a painful pattern: many nonprofits and institutions struggled to retain emerging talent in their good work.

That realization reshaped my calling and led me to my current mission with the Barnabas Fellowship, a national collaborative that builds trust, support and resources for people serving distressed communities.

My conviction is clear: Dayton is home. It’s a city with grit, beauty and endless layers. I was raised in a city with numerous complexities, and UD helped me harness a passion for community building and transformation. There are certainly places outside of Dayton where I am able to make an impact, but as for now, this is the epicenter of where things will soar. And wherever life takes me, I will continue to represent my city, my community, my village.

Photo courtesy of Bernard Jones '12