When things go wonky, go back to your roots
In uncertain times, remember where you came from
When the world feels chaotic or uncertain, I’ve learned to go back to my roots. Not just metaphorically — but literally. This past weekend, I had the chance to do exactly that.
I returned to Lexington, Kentucky, where I grew up in the Chevy Chase neighborhood. I appeared on a local morning talk show (hosted by two of my high school classmates) to reflect on my time in elementary, middle and high school — but what hit me most wasn’t the camera or the lights. It was the clarity that comes when you remember where your compass first formed.
We are, all of us, the product of the people who believed in us early. And for me, that list is long — and full of giants.
Mrs. Grievous, my 6th grade teacher at Maxwell Elementary, was more than a teacher. She was a civil rights icon from the 1960's who challenged us all, "When you see a problem, fix it. Don't wait on others. Don't wait on government." She is why I entered into politics and civic change.
Bob Maras at Morton Junior School taught me how to code — and how math could actually be fun. His love for STEM was infectious. He powered me through life and into the tech and innovation industry to this day.
Mrs. Brown-Kincaid coached our Lincoln-Douglas debate team in the 8th grade. She forced us to consider both sides of an argument — a skill that shaped my worldview and my career in both tech and politics. And perhaps more importantly, she taught me the concepts of public speaking and communication — skills that continue to pay dividends today.
Diane (Goodwin) Culbertson, who we sadly lost last month, as a sophomore she pushed me into leadership at many levels, helped launch a leadership training program, and encouraged me to run for student council president. I never thanked her enough. But she changed my life.
All of them did.
So this week’s newsletter isn’t about business or politics or innovation. It’s about gratitude — and remembering the house that built you (as Miranda Lambert might say).
If you’ve had a teacher, coach, or mentor who shaped you — tell them.
Don’t wait.
Because no matter how far we go, how much we build, or how loud the world gets — those early voices echo the longest. And sometimes, they’re what get us through.
Take care of your compass— and the people who helped shape it,
Joseph
Joseph Kopser
Co-Founder of USTomorrow
P.S. If you’d like to share a story about your most influential teacher or mentor, hit reply — I’d love to know who helped make you the person you are today.
P.P.S On a personal note, if you know anyone impacted by cuts or layoffs, or anyone you know looking to transition from one stage in life to another please share with them my post.