Welcome!
Welcome to my blog! I’m William, though most people know me as BJ (short for Bill John). This blog began as a space to showcase my professional and academic work during my journey toward earning a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) and then a Master of Education (M.Ed). Over time, it has grown and evolved alongside me, becoming much more than its humble beginnings back in 2019.
Now, this platform serves as a hub for sharing content primarily related to academia. It’s also a place where I explore topics that matter deeply to me, including education, leadership, culture, and my personal health and fitness journey.
I serve as an Adjunct Professor in the University Interdisciplinary Studies department and as the eLearning Manager for the Office of Academic Technology, Teaching, and Learning at the University of Hartford. With over a decade of experience in higher education, I’ve had the privilege of engaging in various roles as both a student and an educator, gaining a deep appreciation for the complexities of the learning journey from both perspectives.
Thank you for stopping by—I hope you find something here that inspires or resonates with you!
I consider myself a servant leader, guided by the principles first defined by Robert K. Greenleaf in 1970. At its core, servant leadership prioritizes service to others, and I strive to embody this by helping people in every way I can, regardless of their needs, background, race, gender, or orientation. My goal is to inspire growth, foster confidence, and empower individuals to overcome challenges and thrive in all aspects of their lives.
My dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both academia and the workplace stems from my own personal journey and my leadership education. As a first-generation college graduate, I faced significant emotional, social, and financial barriers. Without substantial financial resources, I worked hard to fund my education while balancing the demands of school, work, and life. There were moments when the challenges seemed insurmountable—deciding between buying textbooks or paying bills, or choosing between work, sleep, and class. These experiences shaped my perspective and instilled in me a deep commitment to breaking down barriers in education wherever possible.
My mission today is to alleviate the challenges faced by future generations of students. I am deeply committed to creating environments where learners of all backgrounds—regardless of gender, age, race, orientation, or socioeconomic status—have equitable opportunities to succeed. As both an instructional designer and professor, I focus on making education accessible to everyone. By incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, I strive to break down barriers and design inclusive, engaging learning experiences that empower students to showcase their knowledge in ways that are meaningful to them.
I’ve immersed myself in undergraduate and graduate education as both a student and a professional. I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible strength and innovation that diverse teams bring to academia. Collaborating with talented, creative, and determined students, staff, and faculty to tackle complex challenges has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I remain inspired by the resilience of students who overcome immense obstacles to achieve their dreams, ultimately becoming lifelong learners and contributors to their communities. This commitment to service, equity, and collaboration continues to guide my efforts as I strive to create opportunities for others to grow, learn, and succeed.
Personal Mission Statement:
My mission is to simply “live in the moment”.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos and lose sight of the present moment. With cameras constantly capturing photos and videos, social media buzzing nonstop, and information flowing endlessly, we’re more connected than ever—yet sometimes, it’s connection to ourselves that we need most. That’s why I make a conscious effort to live in the moment and fully embrace each experience as it unfolds. Time is our most precious, non-refundable resource, so I strive to cherish every second, knowing that each moment is a gift that won’t come again.
Personal Value Statement:
My personal value statement is expressed in three simple words: “Peace, love, and truth”.
Peace is the quiet melody that guides my soul, a commitment to nurturing harmony within myself and extending it to the world around me. Love is the radiant light that fuels my spirit, a belief in the transformative power of compassion, kindness, and the deep connections that bind us as human beings. Truth is the unwavering compass of my journey, a foundation of authenticity and integrity that keeps me honest and rooted in purpose. Together, they weave a life rich with meaning, illuminated by beauty, and guided by the quiet intention to leave the world gentler, kinder, and more authentic than I found it.
Personal Vision Statement:
My vision statement is to simply “seize the moment”.
Life is a dance of doors endlessly opening and closing, each one a threshold to boundless possibilities and undiscovered potential. Time, fragile and fleeting, is our most sacred gift, urging us to act before the moment dissolves into memory. To step through an open door is to embrace the unknown with courage, trusting in the magic of opportunity. These moments, though fleeting, possess the power to transform our journey in unimaginable ways, turning the ordinary into extraordinary; rewriting the story of what we believe is possible.