Summary
Highlights
DJ Batiste recounts his childhood in Lacombe, Louisiana, raised by his grandmother. Born to young parents, he was defiant and sought attention, often through troublesome behavior. He became a gang leader, finding a sense of security and belonging within the group. Violence was a common response to disagreements, and DJ frequently engaged in fights at school, leading to expulsions and brushes with the law, including two stints in juvenile detention for possessing firearms.
Despite his rebellious nature, DJ attended school, not for academics, but for social interaction. He viewed school as a place to associate, make people laugh, maintain his leadership status, and observe girls. He didn't want to miss anything happening between the hours of eight and three, which served as his primary motivation for attending.
On the first day of his senior year, DJ arrived late to Ms. P's (Donna Porter's) public speaking class. He made a disruptive entrance, expecting a confrontation. Ms. Porter, a public speaking teacher in Peking, Mississippi, calmly observed his behavior, understanding that 'all behavior is purposeful.'
DJ initiated a disrespectful exchange, expecting Ms. Porter to react with anger and send him out, fulfilling his pattern of gaining attention through defiance. However, Ms. Porter defied his expectations. Instead of becoming angry, she calmly engaged him with thoughtful questions about why he attends school, eventually making him ponder his reasons.
Ms. Porter complimented DJ's charisma, which initially confused him, but he eventually understood it as his ability to 'work a room.' She then offered him a job as the class 'greeter,' tasking him with standing at the door every morning, shaking hands, and even having a short session in front of the class. The only condition was to be on time.
DJ embraced his new role. The next day, he made sure to be on time, declaring, 'I have a job to do.' Ms. Porter emphasizes that 'a disconnected child is a discouraged child,' and DJ's transformation illustrates the power of encouragement. Despite a history of disciplinary issues, he thrived as the year-long greeter, a role he excelled at due to his unique personality.
DJ now believes his past experiences were meant to help him guide other kids and teachers. He advocates for 'Conscious Discipline,' a set of skills that empowers teachers to connect with students and make a profound, life-changing impact. He wants other teachers to experience the same success Ms. Porter had in transforming a student's life, highlighting that changing a child's life can take as little as 90 seconds through a conscious and empathetic approach.