Profiles in Parent Leadership: Samet Kul
We asked Samet Kul how Parents Who Lead changed him. Here's what he said.
4/2/2019
Samet Kul is the father of a gifted child and one of the graduates in the inaugural cohort of Parents Who Lead. We asked him a few questions about his experience in the program. Here's what he said. (Want to learn how you can join Parents Who Lead? Apply here.)
Before this program, did you consider yourself a "parent leader"? Why or why not?
Before this program, I only had wishful thoughts about the changes I wanted to see in my children's education and education in general. I didn’t know how to advocate for them, nor had the courage to do that. This program made me aware of some of the issues around education through the conversations with the great people in my cohort.
How did this program change your view of what you can do as a parent leader?
The program taught me how to be a change agent, and how to put my wishful thoughts into action. It made me realize that I am part of this community and I must do whatever I can to support the efforts for the future of all children. Waiting to get things done is not a solution. I must advocate and be part of the solution.
What is your project, and why do you believe it's important to children in Duval County?
My project is to build an online portal for the parents of gifted children to provide basic training about giftedness and share practical recommendations about parenting gifted children. Giftedness has often been misunderstood and mixed-up with achievement and privilege. There are thousands of underachieving and at-risk gifted students across America because they are believed to have the “potential” and their needs are often overlooked, which contributes to their vulnerability. I am hoping that my project will help parents to help their gifted students and provide a platform where they can share their experiences.