Awards are often symbols of achievement.
But every once in a while, an award carries a meaning that goes far beyond recognition itself.
Recently, I received a replacement sculpture from NABA after the original award was damaged in transit. As beautiful as the piece is, what resonates with me most is the story behind its design.
The sculpture features an African warrior shield and a Fang mask. Together, they represent the idea of being under someone’s protection.
That symbolism immediately spoke to me.
The Responsibility of an Educator
Throughout my career, I’ve thought a great deal about what it means to teach.
Education is often associated with sharing knowledge, developing skills, and preparing students for professional success. Those responsibilities are important, but I’ve always believed that teaching involves something more.
It involves stewardship.
Students place trust in their educators. They look to us not only for information, but also for guidance, encouragement, and support as they navigate challenges and opportunities.
In many ways, educators become protectors of potential.
We help students recognize strengths they may not yet see in themselves. We encourage them to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and pursue goals they may have once considered out of reach.
Beyond the Classroom
Protection does not mean shielding people from difficulty.
Some of the most meaningful growth happens when students encounter obstacles, uncertainty, and failure. Our role is not to remove those experiences but to help students navigate them.
We create environments where learning can happen, where mistakes become opportunities for growth, and where curiosity is encouraged rather than discouraged.
Those lessons often extend far beyond accounting, business, or any individual subject.
They help shape confidence, resilience, and character.
The Meaning Behind the Recognition
What makes this sculpture so meaningful is that it reflects a value I’ve carried throughout my career.
When I look at it, I don’t simply see an award.
I see a reminder of the responsibility educators have to the people they serve.
Teaching is about more than delivering content. It’s about creating opportunities, building trust, and helping others reach their potential.
That is a responsibility I never take lightly.
A Grateful Reminder
I’m grateful to NABA for replacing the sculpture and for the recognition it represents.
But I’m equally grateful for the message behind it.
The idea of being under someone’s protection is a powerful one. It reminds us that leadership, mentorship, and education are ultimately acts of service.
And for those of us fortunate enough to teach, there may be no greater privilege than helping others discover what they’re capable of becoming.