RTDM: Cherie Chandler
Cherie Chandler
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Assistant Director of State and Federal Testing
Charlotte, NC
We want to get to know you! Briefly tell us about yourself: Where you came from, where you've been and how you're living your dream?
I was born in Salisbury, NC but spent most of my school years in Winston-Salem, NC. I lived all over NC but one of my favorite places to live is Chapel Hill. I have traveled to Orlando FL, San Francisco CA, Kansas City, KS, Bahamas, and Phoenix, AZ. Recently, I completed an international doctoral internship in London, England with tours in Paris, France, and Toronto, Canada.
How do you define success?
Success is defined by the pursuit of putting forth your best effort and never giving up on your goals. This includes being prepared for unexpected outcomes but using these unfortunate situations to overcome them with patience, wisdom, and perseverance. I personally credit my success with my faith in God.
What did it take to make your dream happen and how do you make it sustainable?
I recently had to give up something I became comfortable and complacent in to achieve my dream. I worked so hard to pursue this dream, with achieving my specialist degree and pursuing my doctoral degree but I was afraid that my dream would not be possible. Recently, I made a huge sacrificing impacting my comfort zone and family to pursue my dream. Doors continued to close but I never gave up. I kept on reaching for it. With the support of my family and friends, I was determined to reach my dream in what I worked so hard for. It took over two years to reach this but finally my dream, in my career, eventually was offered to me. My advice to anyone is to never give up. You may suffer setbacks and drawbacks. Just know they weren't for you because these challenges are opportunities to set you up for your calling.
What are you most proud of? Go ahead, boast a little!
I am proud of what I left behind. I strive to make sure I have provided people the best service they deserve. Hearing compliments of how much I am missed and what a blessing I have been to others confirmed I know I made a difference in people's lives. I have former students becoming teachers because of what I established in my classroom. That is the greatest gift I ever received is to know people are following my footsteps because of me.
What was your biggest obstacle/fear and what was your turning point?
My greatest fear recently occurred when I was pushed out of my comfort zone without having anything in place to prepare for this. As much as I struggled with sleepless nights and the fear of the unknown, my faith endured through these trials and tribulations. This is a testimony for me to indicate that everything happens for a reason and there's always a season for everything. My season ended but I was led to begin a new season in where I needed to be. My turning point occurred when I finally let go and let God. When I finally put it in His hands, everything worked out for the best for me and my family more than I anticipated.
What’s the best advice you’d give to a younger you?
I would tell my younger self to love yourself for who you are. You are beautiful, intelligent, and wise. Never settle for less. Never give up and stay on course. Everything will work out for the best. It's OK to be you. Love yourself, embrace yourself, and encourage yourself. If people don't acknowledge you for who you truly are, let them go and surround yourself with people who truly value the beautiful person you are.
How do you stay motivated and purposeful when you feel overwhelmed?
Without prayers and reading my Bible, I wouldn't be where I am at today. I have take a step back and meditate on what my priorities and focus should rely on. Teaching Zumba classes have been therapeutic for me and surrounding myself with a wonderful support system. My family keeps me encouraged. I have to set a good example for them to follow.
Tell us a time when a perceived failure was actually a blessing in disguise or served you in a surprising way.
I become a better person because of failures. I learn from them to try not to make the same mistakes. I count my blessings from these failures to strive to do well. My greatest analogy of failures are hurdles. Just like a track star, I jump over these hurdles, to successfully make it to the finish line.
What is your favorite vice/guilty pleasure/strange habit? Come on now, we all have them!
I confess... I absolutely love crossword puzzles and dancing. Crossword puzzles soothes me and keeps my mind going. Dancing (even though I may not follow the steps accurately) keeps me happy and energetic.
What's the smartest investment you’ve made for yourself?
The smartest investment I've made are my children. They have allowed me to cater to their unique personalities and abilities that led to my careers. Being their mother allowed me to prioritize opportunities I never had as a child. I want them to do better than me. I want them to be better than me. That's why I allowed my daughter to attend college in San Francisco, so she can utilize what I taught her to change the world. Another investment was getting my mammogram after my friend nagged me to get it done. She saved my life and I was able to get treated for the early diagnosis of breast cancer.
What’s MOST important to you right now?
My family is important to me. I have been blessed with supportive husband, parents, and in-laws. My children give me meaning to life. Without them, I wouldn't be more determined to finish my doctorate and to pursue my career.
Share 1-2 books that have impacted you the most:
The Bible and Their Eyes Were Watching God
What have you learned to say no to?
I learned to say no to micromanagers. I refuse to have someone dictate how I should conduct my life. I developed a stance to let them know we are team. We need to work together to reach a sustainable goal. Building relationships and establishing trust with others you encounter will lead to success in whatever career you're in.
What's something surprising about you?
I competed in Mrs. North Carolina competition. That was bucket list fantasy I wanted to fulfill. I have no desire ever doing that again. In retrospect, I have enormous respect for anyone competing in pageants. It was a great experience and I made friends with phenomenal women.
Who is a Risk Taker Dream Maker(s) that has inspired you? Why?
Tonya Tolson is a risk taker. She does everything for everyone and I am glad she is finally receiving the credit and value she deserves. This phenomenal woman supports MICS staff and students with all of her heart. Over the last six years, she successfully assisted in the ensuring that high school students graduate. Her commitment to do after school tutoring for athletes, working with students who are homebound, and her support classes allowed these students to graduate on time with their peers.
Follow Cherie:
