Today we’d like to introduce you to Sha’Rell Webb.
Sha’Rell, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story begins at the age of two. The age in which I was adopted by my aunt and uncle, both who were elders at the time. My mother was and still is addicted to crack cocaine and couldn’t take on the responsibility of raising me or my two older brothers. The dynamic of our relationships are unconventional. We have the same mother, but there are three different men. We each were raised in three different homes with three different upbringings. I actually do not know who my biological father is, but I do know who cared for and loved me as a child. The home I was raised in was structured and manicured daily. There were laughter, home-cooked meals and most importantly, there was love. I have three other brothers and three sisters by way of the adoption. They’re much older than I am but loved me nonetheless. My parents were strong, self-driven and kind. They each instilled in me a work ethic that I pour into my own children daily. After they passed away from medication complications, I moved to Houston to finish high school.
Upon arriving in Houston, I knew that I would live with my sister who also had a daughter around my age. We were pretty close, but deep down I felt like I was a burden to her. I knew I had to make a way for me to pay for college. I started applying for scholarships that summer. It was indeed a culture shock for me. Lufkin was a small, but a diverse town. I attend classes with all races and ethnicities, but not at Forest Brook. It was an important transitional time for me. I was okay with not having a diverse student body, but I didn’t know why. That soon changed. I had a teacher, Dr. Emily Bartley, she stills practices Dentistry today and still manages to teach full time. She welcomed me into her office, after school as her dental assistance. She would teach and educate me about the tools that she uses and the methods in which were best for the clients that she served. I appreciated all she was doing for me. It was my first internship and I was only a high student. I loved the medical field. I thought I would be a nurse as my professional career. Dr. Bartley even recommended me for my first biomedical symposium in California. It was a dream come true. My first time boarding a plane for travel. I attended and met some phenomenal students from FAMU (Florida A & M University). Dr. Bartley played a great role in my life, she saw something in me then when I was in her class and nurtured my growth. I’m forever grateful.
Upon graduating, I received over $75,000 in scholarships and grants. More than the valedictorian. I was so amazed and proud of myself. I knew that my sister wasn’t financially able to assist me with college expenses. I was accepted to Jarvis Christian College where I received a full academic scholarship. My college years were the beginning of reflective time in my life. I was on my own, potentially four hours from home. I remember being in a dark place and asking myself, “If I killed myself, how long would it take for someone to find me?” I asked myself that question because no one would ever call to check on my or make sure I was okay. I felt alone. I made up my mind to end my life that day. I mixed different all-purpose cleaners together and I drunk the contents. I don’t remember much of how it made it feel at that moment, but I eventually realized that it didn’t work. I was depressed. I didn’t like who I had become, but there were some men and women in my life that I confided in and through prayer and consistent interactions I made it out of that state of mind. I wanted better for myself.
Let’s fast forward a bit. I’ve always had a heart for caring for others. It made me feel good. My parents cared for others even when they didn’t have much to give. Once I graduated Jarvis, I entered into education as a science teacher. I enjoyed the energy and innocence of the youth. They seemed to just need some guidance, as I did. This becomes a mission for me. My personal mission statement is: On Fire To Inspire. Words I live by daily! It was important to me to be a bridge for someone else. Throughout my whole life, God has used different people to steer me in the right direction. I’ve had many lessons on life, good and bad, but lessons nonetheless. To be a woman of color and to teach science, it’s an uncommon pair. So, I used this as a platform to change science curriculum for our children of color. I made science fun, but relatable. I would also hear that teachers were not doing science labs with the students because their behavior was too bad. So, I changed this in my classroom. Science will be culturally relevant and not paint the picture of a white man in a lab coat.
Has it been a smooth road?
Birth from a mother who’s addicted to crack cocaine.
Unknown father.
Mother and Grandmother in and out of jail.
Brother in jail for most of his life.
Adopted parents passed away when I was 13 and 15.
Attempted suicide twice.
Homelessness.
Depression.
Medical scares.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Coding with a Twist story. Tell us more about it.
I was on a mission to set in the minds of my students that they could be scientist, as well as, Coders! This is why and how “Coding with a Twist” was born. Being in science as a minority was low in number, but as a Coder/Computer Scientist was even lower. To teach the underestimated and not the underrepresented. To teach and educate the youth about programming is a challenge for myself. To transitional, the mindset of children and their parents to not only being a consumer, but innovators and creators of their own games. I have about $60,000 in educational technology that I use to teach the underestimated how to code. We utilize Spheros (Robotic Balls), Makey Makey kits, IPads, Drones and other sources of technology for the understanding of programming. I volunteer at all kinds of community events, just to being awareness to the underserved and underrepresented populations. My heart belongs to Fifth Ward though. I taught in the area for 6 years and I love the students and the families in that community.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Coding with a Twist is just the beginning. I have magnificent grant writing skills so I can visualize being able to lend/loan out technology to other organizations that can’t afford to buy the technology that is needed to host an event/camp/workshop. I envision Coding with a Twist, hosting career fairs and conferences. Coding with a Twist will bring troubled youth a sense of pride and ownership. I can see nontraditional students being drawn to this business because it was created for them. The non-traditional student doesn’t like the “sit and get” structure that the classroom offers, but the hands-on approach of Coding with A Twist. A lot of times, kids that won’t speak will still use their hands to make!
Contact Info:
- Address: 21122 Fox Hillside Way
- Website: https://onfire2inspire.weebly.com/
- Phone: 903.312.1173
- Email: sharellqwebb@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000419024589
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharell_martin
Image Credit:
Sha’Rell Webb, Chester Webb
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