LOT® Chapter: Philadelphia, 2005-2007
Occupation: Social Studies teacher [Teach for America], Wilmington, Del.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in government and philosophy, Georgetown University, 2011
Best Memories: “Competing in the Case Competition in auditorium of Rice University, attending the 2008 Presidential Debate at Howard University with Leonard James and going to Dallas and Houston.”
LOT® Accomplishments: Coming in second place in the LOT® Case Competition.
Dream Job: “Managing or operating a network of schools and community resource centers that empower youth and adults to be driven to effect positive change in their communities.”
Working with passion while serving as a role model fuels Joseph Hill’s days as a Teach for America educator. His drive, dedication and consideration to contemplate staying beyond his required two years are rooted in his LOT® experience in Philadelphia.
LOT® instilled in him a desire to empower others, one reason he joined the highly selective teaching corps. “Black role models are especially needed in communities of color where typically you don’t see Black males succeeding or in professions like teaching. I definitely made an impact in that regard,” says Hill, who teaches social studies.
“I’ve built strong relationships with my students. The program is only two years, but I am thinking about staying in for three years. I really enjoy it.”
LOT’s emphasis on developing analytical and critical thinking, public speaking and leadership skills prepared him for college and his classroom. “The skills you learn in Leaders of Tomorrow® ultimately apply to anything you want to do, whether you are going into law, engineering or any field,” he says.
Hill especially enjoyed the time he invested in the LOT® Business Case Competition. He competed two years in a row and learned how to synthesize information and convey it in a way that everybody can understand.
“We did a lot of research for the Case Competition. There was a whole lot of complex data and figures we were developing, so we had to come up with a short, succinct pitch to give to potential investors or anyone you are trying to communicate ideas to. That was another thing that really benefited me,” he says.
Hill urges serious students at high schools where achievement may not be widespread to apply for LOT®. “The relationships you build with people from other schools around the city are invaluable. I still have a lot of friends from that program. I came from a public school where not everyone was as motivated or as ambitious. Sometimes you may feel that there aren’t a lot of people out there like you, who are disciplined and focused. You meet other people who are like you and they help to shape what you ultimately do and support you in your future endeavors.”