Rattling Tiger who found her roar

It’s not very often that one stays connected with the person who gave them their very first job as an adult, the one individual who put stock in them to carry out tasks, show responsibility, model expectations, and most importantly teach the very future of society. That was me, fresh out of Georgia Southern University with a brand new Bachelor’s Degree in hand ready to conquer the world, and that brave soul who took a chance on me was Ms. Syvetta Young. She looked past that doe eyed, naive, first year teacher who just knew she would be able to reach and teach every child that graced her classroom door. Ms. Young saw potential in me, and therefore she gave me the opportunity to embark in a career that is now about to enter its twentieth year. For that alone, I will forever be grateful to her. I sat down recently to talk to Ms. Syvetta and to get her take on life in general as she has entered into a beautiful decade known as “The Golden Years.” As I prepared to begin the interview and before I mashed the record button on my phone ensuring I didn’t miss anything, she politely asked how I had been doing. For the next 15-20 minutes, we conversed about everything; the good, the bad, and the ugly. I told her things that had been weighing heavily on my heart, and to be honest I shed a few tears. She sat there and listened to me with genuine love and concern just as she has done in the past, and it was at that moment that I knew I had unequivocally chosen the right person to create my next piece about.

Born on December 2,1953 to parents Joseph and Sarah, Jaqueline Syvetta Drisdom would be raised in that quaint, little house at 315 Racetrack Street; the very same home that belonged to her grandmother. The middle child and only girl, she recalls the precious memories that were created in that home with older brother Taxton and younger brother Joey. As she ventured into various stories encapsulating her childhood, there was a twinkle in her eye. This spark could only be described as one that still relishes in a time where things were much simpler yet profoundly remarkable. She recalled going to church with both grandmothers who ironically shared the same name, Ella. In that holiness assembly she witnessed the congregation participate in communion by drinking from the same cup as well as the humble ritual of washing one another’s feet in the same pan. As young as she was, those special moments stay engrained in her mind for in her words, “Hey, I saw my grandmothers doing that so I did it, too.” Being a part of such a legacy is what would lay the foundation to her becoming a strong Christian woman. As Ms. Syvetta continued, she shared recollections with me that honestly took me a minute to process. She told how her mother, who worked as a nurse for the local doctor, walked to her job every day by crossing through an area called “Hangman’s Branch”, which as you would probably ascertain was the very spot where in previous years African Americans had lost their lives by way of rope and tree branch. If I had a hard time listening to that, I can only imagine what her soul must feel like. Having the knowledge of what happened on that pathway, but also remembering that her own mother made that daily trek amongst the background that held such hatred is mind boggling to say the least.

Growing up as a child in a very formative era of United States history, Ms. Syvetta told of her younger school years in the building not too far from where she resided. Contrary to what I thought I knew as well as probably most who may read this, the schools in Swainsboro were not always known to have a tiger as their mascot. As a matter of fact, because of segregation she attended a separate school with other African American students. They were known as “The Rattlers.” It wasn’t until both schools integrated and became Emanuel County High School that the striped feline would become the combined symbol for the newly established academic facility. It would remain the ever-present icon representing a newly meshed demographic of students as well as a change of name for their school. In the years following another name change would take place, but the tiger steadfastly remained as a visual representation of Swainsboro High School until this very day. Ms. Syvetta would go on to tell of her days as a student prior to integration and afterwards. She was a model pupil who enjoyed school, and she loved to participate in class. Every day held something brand new for her little mind to absorb just like the sponge that it always has been. When the blending of others came about, is the moment she found herself realizing the cold, hard truth. Not everything that is supposed to be harmonious is necessarily that way, and it would take a lot of grit and determination for her to prove to them as well as herself that she was somebody who mattered just like any other person. That shy girl, who at one time didn’t mind speaking out, had allowed the ugliness of the world around her to almost silence her. She encountered teachers who didn’t look like her, but despite that they treated her with kindness. On the flipside, there were those who treated her with such disdain that she can clearly recall those emotions she felt then. However, because of the faith that had been instilled in her at such a young age, she let her actions speak louder than any words ever could. That young Syvetta made the decision one day that she would no longer be a bystander in a changing environment, rather she would go on to show the world what tenacious women are made of. She knew that education was where the path of life was leading her even though she momentarily thought she was going to be a nurse. Because of the hardships she’d experienced at the hands of a particular teacher, she knew beyond the shadow of a doubt what kind of teacher she did not want to become.

After graduating from high school, she attended Savannah State University where she became a charter member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Nu Upsilon Omega Chapter. As a Cum Laude graduate, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1975. It was not long after that when she found herself accepting a sixth grade position back home in Emanuel County. After finding her footing as a teacher, Ms. Syvetta would go on to add another title to her personal resume, and that would be wife. Roosevelt Young, a dapper gentleman who hailed from Demopolis, Alabama would be introduced to her at a New Year’s Eve party at Ray’s Grill, and as the famous saying goes, “The rest is history.” A great love would develop between these two, and before she knew it she was getting proposed to on Christmas. With a ring being placed in a miniature box then hidden within a maze of other boxes, she realized that a most important life changing event was upon her. After gaining permission from her father, Roosevelt proposed with a beautiful ring, and a few months later the two became one on June 30, 1984. Ms. Syvetta had received a Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education in 1983 from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville. Her most cherished role was given to her in 1986, and that was when she became a mother for the first time giving birth to son Rosey followed shortly by daughter Sara in 1988. If I thought speaking about her passion for teaching and learning made her eyes sparkle, that became a full blown shimmer as she shared story upon story of being a wife and mother. Telling about her children and the way they have completed her life is something that many people aspire to have the opportunity to do, and she will tell you in an instant just how blessed she is and how much she loves them. Among those she holds most dear besides her family are her friends. Ms. Syvetta spoke so adoringly about her friendships that she has had throughout the years from former sorority sisters and colleagues to those that she considers to be just like family like Mrs. Erma Jenkins, and her “sister cousin” Ms. Velma Jenkins. These two women and their friendships have been pivotal in encouraging her and lifting her up through each of life’s twists and turns. In 2009, she would find herself truly appreciating their support unlike any other time as her beloved husband of 25 years passed away. We know that God works in mysterious ways, and prior to this profound loss one of her most treasured gifts was born. Zaylin Lee, daughter of Sara, took her first breath a mere three weeks before her grandfather took his last. One can say that God sends new life to help manage the hurt when another life has been completed. Ms. Syvetta shared how he was completely enamoured with their grandbaby. Being a grandmother is a job that she revels in. Zaylin is one of three lights that keep her heart lit up. There’s one thing about Ms. Syvetta Young that people need to know if they don’t already. Despite having numerous degrees, being a teacher, media specialist, assistant principal at Swainsboro Middle School, and the first African American principal of Swainsboro Elementary (that she has always lovingly referred to as “The Best School on Tiger Trail”) nothing holds a candle to who she is in Christ.

Ms. Syvetta has a faith that is rooted and grounded in the Word of God, and not once has she faltered to live her life in such a way that glorifies Him. She has always leaned upon her favorite Bible verse which is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” She has always sought to do the Will of God, and it is very evident by the way her children, family, friends, former colleagues, and past students speak to her and about her. Ms. Syvetta is still active on so many levels. She is a productive member of several organizations that mirror her devotion to education, community, and service. These include, but are not limited to, the Emanuel Association of Retired Educators, Emanuel County DFCS (where she serves as Chair), Community Action for Youth, Inc., the Emanuel County Chapter of the NAACP, and the Emanuel Arts Council. She holds the esteemed title of Golden Soror, celebrating 50 years of dedicated service as a part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Nu Upsilon Omega Chapter. Additionally, she serves on the Sudie Fulford Advisory Board at East Georgia State College.

For 60 years, she has been a member of St. Paul AME Church, in Summertown, GA, where she is President of the Sarah G. Drisdom, WMS.

Ms. Syvetta has worn many hats, and as you can tell her heart will always be one that is open to learning and advocating for children especially when it comes to their education. She exemplifies a woman who has overcome many obstacles, obstacles that if she were a meeker person would’ve potentially stopped her from being the force she went on to become. Ms. Syvetta has taught many minds, and she has helped mold so many teachers into who they are today. I count myself blessed to be able to consider that I am one of those. She taught me tact. In that, she taught me what it means to take stock in not only what you say but how you say it! BECAUSE HOW YOU TALK TO PEOPLE MATTERS! If there’s one thing that I have truly absorbed in my years of teaching, it is that. Facing a parent who has only heard nothing but negative comments about their child, in turn gives me an opportunity to speak life into their situation. Ms. Syvetta taught me how to do that. When it comes to seeing people for who they really are and loving them regardless, she’s a terrific example. She has seen me and continues to see me, and not only that she continues to show me what Christian love looks like. Ms. Syvetta has only ever asked those around her to be their best and to do their best, and she knows that God will handle the rest. She has walked the peak of the mountain tops, and she has trekked the valleys below. Yet, she praises Jesus every step of the way. What a life, and what a legacy she will be able to leave behind for all of those who have followed her. She may have started out a rattler that reluctantly became a tiger, but in her journey God gave her a roar unlike any other that will live on forever.