Mikisha Mercella Nation Log 1

It’s been about a year since it was announced that I received the Bush Fellowship, and when I reflect on this journey as a fellow, it’s challenging to capture it all in words. The initial stage was surreal. I had always seen the Bush Fellowship as an incredible opportunity to grow my leadership and impact, and I knew how deeply personal the process was—really pushing me to think about my leadership, what’s required of me, and where I am at this moment. This was my third time applying for the fellowship, and I appreciate that it came at the perfect time. Reflecting on my leadership through the challenges of COVID, the murder of George Floyd, the passing of my father, and the vulnerability and authenticity required of me, I found these experiences were pivotal in shaping my fellowship application and my journey since.

One of the standout moments from this past year was the fellowship kickoff. Being in a room with 22 dynamic leaders whom I greatly respect and admire, some of whom I knew well and others I had followed from afar, was humbling. I was struck by the enormity of the selection and the aspirations I hold for my leadership and what I want to accomplish. The legacy of past fellows, like August Wilson, and the wisdom shared by those who came before us, emphasized that this is a dynamic process. It’s not a straight line—just as the application process wasn’t. We were encouraged to stay open to opportunities, exploration, reflection, coaching, and the growth that we would experience both individually and collectively as a cohort.

A year into the fellowship, this wisdom rings true. My first year wasn’t a straight line. My cohort and past fellows challenged me to lean into the self-care, renewal, and healing I spoke about in my fellowship plans. One theme that emerged for me this year is not about doing more in 2024, but about being more—being more intentional, present, connected, grounded, spiritual, and relational. I see these qualities as essential to understanding new horizons for my leadership.

This year was tough. Right after the fellowship kickoff, I had to reduce 60% of my team at work. I was still navigating the grief of my father’s passing and supporting my family through that. I also dealt with a major hospitalization crisis with my husband. The year has had its peak moments and valley moments, but through it all, I’ve found connection and inspiration. The monthly fellowship calls, where folks share their work and thinking, have been invaluable.

I’ve also had incredible learning opportunities. Young people who encouraged me to apply again have continued to mentor, coach, and hold me accountable. I’ve tried new things through the fellowship, like attending South by Southwest Edu in Austin for the first time, spending intentional time with Jeffrey Canada and the Harlem Children’s Zone team, and learning from the Reimagination Lab at TFA. These experiences have helped me build new connections and relationships. One key takeaway from this experience is the importance of paying it forward. Through the relationships I’ve built and the experiences I’ve had, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside other leaders, contribute to proposal processes for speaking engagements, and we were selected to deliver major learning session. This month, I’m working with students and leaders in our community to elevate concepts around teaching, student voice, and content creation. Presenting at the Education Evolving Seeing Learners, Building Leaders, Student-Centered Learning Conference will be remarkable, but what’s more powerful is how students like Rosie Molina, whom I’ve worked with for years, will be centered in these experiences along side me.

I’m humbled, grateful, and patient with myself as I navigate this process. The fellowship has provided opportunities for me to live into the idea that in 2024, it’s not about doing more, but about being more. As I head into my second year of the fellowship, I’m excited to continue pushing myself, accelerating my learning in key areas, and exploring what it means to step back and focus on fellowship learning. I’m confident that good things will come out of this, not just for me, but for my leadership, my family, and the causes I care about in this community. I’m extremely grateful for how this opportunity has, in just one year, been a tremendous eye-opening experience, one that I know will allow me to be more of who I am in this community.