27. Soaring Above Life's Barriers: Phillip Harper's Story of Grit and Glory

Join us as we welcome Phillip Harper, an old friend and neighborhood compatriot from Humboldt Park, now flourishing in San Diego. Together, we stroll down memory lane, sharing stories of our upbringing and the unspoken family code of keeping personal struggles under wraps. Phillip's tale is one of resilience, as he discusses the importance of open communication in tackling emotional challenges, the support we must offer to our friends and family's endeavors, and how transcending the barriers of our neighborhood set him on the path to success.Listen in as we tackle the intricate dance between our educational struggles and our triumphs. We reflect on the reality of attending under-resourced public schools, the power of dedicated teachers, and the importance of family support in the face of adversity, including teen pregnancy and the stigma of poverty. Our conversation takes a turn towards the necessity of education and resilience, the delicate balance of fitting in, and my commitment to ensuring my daughters never endure the embarrassments we faced, highlighting how these experiences can shape one's willingness to pursue education.LCDR Phillip Harper, a Chicago native, joined the U.S. Navy in 1997 and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing in 2011. He joined Strike Fighter Squadron ONE NINE FIVE (VFA-195) in Japan and later joined the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels). Harper served as Administrative and Executive Officer, Ship's Secretary, and Admin Primary Assistant before becoming the Flag Aide and Executive Officer at Headquarters, Naval Surface & Mine Warfighting Development Center.Connect with Phillip: https://www.instagram.com/govharp2030/Connect with Janell: Website: https://www.shewhothrivespodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bossladynel/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Loving-BiPolar-Bear-Janell-Borrero/dp/B0BVSXX6JL