Dr. Ashley E. English's journey in community engagement emphasizes the power of early influences and lifelong dedication. From her formative years in Houston, Texas to her impactful leadership at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Ashley's story embodies empathy, resilience, and a relentless drive to make a difference. In this post, we'll explore the defining moments that shaped her path and approach to engaging young people in civic responsibility.
"We often tie what we do to our title. However, I like to think of work as my life’s work. My life's work, no matter where I am - at a community meeting, at church in a Bible study, in my family dynamic, or teaching at Texas Christian University - is cultivating transformational learning communities."
Early Lessons from an Angel Tree
Growing up in Houston, Ashley's earliest memories of community service began with her family's participation in their church's Angel Tree program during Christmas. This annual tradition involved donating gifts to children in need, and one year, her mother decided to take it a step further by delivering the gifts to an emergency shelter.
"We set them up in an open room when all of the children walked in. The families and the kids were losing their minds in absolute joy. They were looking at these bikes and dolls with so much excitement, and guess what I was doing? I was standing there in shock because I thought those bikes were pretty plain and that those dolls were unremarkable compared to my toys."
This moment was a revelation for Ashley, highlighting the disparity between her own life and the lives of those less fortunate. The joy she witnessed would soon spark a lifelong commitment to helping others.
"I saw this unbelievable amount of joy on these kids' faces, and I said maybe I should be doing more things that bring this expression to other people's faces. That experience has never left me."
The experience also taught her to appreciate the basics and realize the privileges she had taken for granted. "Suddenly, the basic things started appearing to be remarkable, and that set off fire in me at a young age to think that maybe there's more to life than just receiving and that there’s more I am responsible for than just having good experiences myself."
Leading the ExxonMobil Green Team
Ashley’s role as leader of the ExxonMobil Green Team from 2008 to 2009 was a pivotal chapter in her journey. The program provided high school juniors and seniors with valuable work experience, sustainability education, and a summer paycheck.
"I had the opportunity to create a summer experience for these students when I was barely twenty, and the experience changed my whole life."
She arranged internships with nonprofits and coordinated educational sessions at Southern Methodist University (SMU). "The students worked with the nonprofits every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, went to SMU on Wednesdays, and stayed with me on Fridays for eight weeks."
Through this program, Ashley gained a deeper understanding of community engagement and the inequities faced by students from diverse backgrounds.
"I saw inequities in education and had to take students home whose parents couldn't pick them up but had missed the bus. I had a chance to be all over Dallas, looking at the vastly different ways these students were growing up."
Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders
Ashley strongly believes in the importance of engaging young people early in their lives to foster a sense of civic responsibility.
"We must start earlier if we're trying to touch the next generation of civically minded, community-engaged leaders."
She emphasizes the need for young people to recognize their potential impact, regardless of their chosen career paths. "We should want them to think about their role, no matter what industry they choose to work in, so they can see their responsibility to improve the quality of life for others."
Ashley advocates for making community service appealing and accessible to children. "We can make that fun with child-friendly volunteer activities."
Thriving Together: The Ultimate Goal of Community Engagement
Ashley’s perspective on community extends beyond traditional definitions, acknowledging the diverse forms communities can take. "We have digital, virtual, physical, and ethnic communities, but at the base of communities is some type of shared experience with others."
She stresses the importance of active participation and listening in community engagement.
"Community engagement is not an activity that exists in your head. You've got to get out into communities and experience it. The people most affected by issues will teach you what you need to learn."
The ultimate goal of community engagement, according to Ashley, is to improve the quality of life for everyone involved. "The outcome has to be an improvement in the quality of the lived experiences of the people engaged. That's why we're even here—we want to be with others, thriving together!"
Ashley's Lessons in Leadership and Empathy
Reflecting on her journey, Ashley shares invaluable lessons she has learned, emphasizing humility, resilience, and active listening.
1. Recognize Your Privilege and Be Open to Others' Stories
Understand your own blessings and privileges and be prepared to set them aside to truly connect with and understand others' experiences.
2. Embrace Imperfection
Let go of the pursuit of perfection. Mistakes are inevitable and should be seen as valuable learning opportunities.
3. Expect and Accept Mistakes
Accept that you won't always say the right thing, respond perfectly, or affirm every suggestion. Mistakes are part of the growth process.
"You're not going to say everything right. You're not going to respond correctly every time. You're not going to affirm every suggestion that needs to be affirmed. You will make mistakes."
4. Set and Maintain Boundaries
Establish clear boundaries to manage your energy and prevent burnout. You can't be everywhere or address every issue.
5. Prioritize Active Listening
Cultivate the skill of actively and attentively listening. Effective community work requires truly hearing and understanding others.
"If you're not listening, you are not creating shared solutions. We have to be in a place where we know how to listen well."
6. Focus on Consensus-Building
Aim to build consensus by ensuring all voices are heard and considered. Shared solutions come from collaborative effort and mutual understanding.
Conclusion
Dr. Ashley E. English’s insights encourage us all to become more involved in our local communities and contribute to improving the quality of life for others. Through her example, Ashley inspires us to see community work not only as a professional endeavor but as a lifelong mission to make a meaningful difference.
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