When I first heard that Dr. Joseph M. Green was running for a position on the school board, I was elated. Though I am neither a governor nor mayor, nor administrator nor teacher, I feel what I have to say is significant, seeing that I am one of Green’s protégés. In this regard, I am a product of his devout commitment to students. Having been educated and advised by Green, I can honestly say that one of the major reasons I am currently pursuing my doctorate degree is in large part due to his unwavering mentorship.
During the time that I have known Green, he has consistently reinforced several timeless and valuable tenets. Green taught me that I must not settle for mediocrity; that although life presents its own set of challenges, I must persevere if I am to truly make my life purposeful. He taught me to never allow someone’s opinion of me to influence the way that I see myself; that is, I am only as great as I think I am, and not necessarily how others perceive me.
During my academic toils, Green reiterated that education is important, and in order to progress I must be tenacious as well as educated. Even to this day, Green’s mantra is “You can do this!†By “this,†he means anything that I set forth to do – suggesting the world is my playground and my opportunities are limitless. Surprisingly, I am no anomaly in this regard, as Green shares these tenets with all of his students.
In my opinion, if you want someone you can trust, a person who views truthfulness as a necessity and who refuses to be sideswiped by politics, Green can be your representative. He has been, and continues to be, these things for others, as well as myself. Frankly, I could not recommend anyone better to lead the Chapel-Hill-Carrboro school district other than my mentor, the incomparable, Dr. Joseph M. Green.
BETTIE RAY BUTLER, M.A.
College Station, Texas