Rising Stars: Meet Nakia Hudson of Bedford Heights

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nakia Hudson.

Hi Nakia , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am the daughter of an amazing woman who didn’t know how to stop being a nurturing caregiver. This is a learned behavior that I appreciate and don’t take lightly. I do for others because it truly brings me joy. From my family, to friends, to strangers. It doesn’t matter, to serve is what I am meant to do.
Being a product of a struggling low income, slightly dysfunctional family, I knew I was destined to be more. When you hear that, the first thing that comes to mind is being famous or well-off. Of course, when younger, I had that mindset but as I matured, my thinking changed. I knew I always wanted to be a teacher; my mind was made up by 2nd grade. I admired my teachers so much that I knew teaching was my purpose. Yet, I did not know I carried the gift of being a nurturer until I was maybe in the 4th grade. Children flocked to me no matter what. I even had a neighbor whose little daughter called me mommy. It was settled, a teacher I would be and being a caregiver came naturally. Although my life has been a rough road, I don’t regret a second of this journey.
My academic journey did not go as planned but whose does. I graduated from high school with dreams of graduating college in the following 4 years. That didn’t happen. I had to return home and work while attending Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). I became pregnant with my son, Elijah, and that set me on a different path. My focus was him and survival, attempting to make ends meet, struggling to keep a roof over our heads, and thinking the dream of being a teacher was over. Amid that storm, my daughter Kennedy was born. I had secured a decent paying job, but it did not bring me joy. After losing that job because my car had died 3-4 months prior, I had to make something happen. I had previously worked at a job that brought me joy daily. I was a Paraprofessional/ Associate Teacher, and I loved every second of it; I was working with children! I knew I had to get back to that which brought me joy. I pestered the owner of an alternative school and his HR staff until they gave me a position at their Bedford, OH location. At the time, I made a little over $16,000/yr and that was alright. I found the joy I was looking for in work.
I was raising my children and caring for my mother, which was something I would do over and over again. I pushed hard every day to make sure my children were alright. I went through countless hospital stays and health scares with my mother, but I kept going. In all my trials and tribulations, people knew they could call on me and I would be there in any capacity God saw fit.
In my 3-bedroom townhouse, there lived me and my two children, my mother, and my younger brother. My 2 nieces and 3 of my 5 nephews were always at my place. Not to mention 2-3 of my daughter’s friends, who came over every day after school. This was so their moms could go to school to achieve their dreams of becoming a nurse, social worker, and teacher. We fed, babysat, bathed, clothed, and kept all the children who needed it. I say we, because my mother was right by my side all the way, my biggest cheerleader.
In my mind, I thought my ship had sailed and pursuing my dreams was silly. As a single parent, the pay wasn’t enough, and the changes made at my employment caused great burnout. I left in pursuit of something else, yet deep in my heart, I knew I still wanted to be a teacher. Something snapped and I decided to return to school. Due to the elapsed time, I had to start my academic career from scratch. I returned to Tri-C, earned 2 Associate’s degrees and continued to work on my Bachelor’s degree at Kent State University. You would think she did it… no. I could not complete the Special Education program due to the conflict with student teaching and work, so I had no choice but to change programs. I graduated with a degree in Educational Studies which focused on non-profit organizations and the inner workings of education within society.
I accomplished those 3 degrees with my mother’s health failing, my son attempting to navigate life, and my daughter playing sports all year round. All this, God allowed to happen. Did I mention I worked full time the entire time? With all of that, I wasn’t teaching yet, but I was taken on a journey that eventually led me to the classroom. I was laid off from my job at a 2-year college in 2017. I was collecting unemployment and down and out. I couldn’t find a permanent job. I decided to step out on faith and substitute at a high school and from there, the fire was rekindled. I knew what I was supposed to do, and it came so naturally to me. All of Gods given gifts just flowed through me and I enjoyed it. I knew the only way to get my foot in the door within a district was to apply as a paraprofessional. I got the job with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. In 2018 I was working in an ED classroom with a lead teacher who gave me the room to practice my craft.
I didn’t stop there; while working as a paraprofessional, I went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Special Education with a Moderate to Intensive concentration. I graduated in 2021 and 2 days before I crossed the stage, I accepted a position within the same district as an Intervention Specialist.
In all of this, I reconnected with someone very close to me, and she roped me into her world of non-profit work. Little did she know that I was overjoyed to help because this gave me the opportunity to give to others in need and to pour into the youth of our community. In the beginning I volunteered here and there, but it became so much fun that I looked forward to all the events, outings, and workshops. Meeting with parents and getting to know others with the same mindset in the field. I went from volunteering to assisting with organizing events for the non-profit and doing the photography for social media purposes to being placed on the board. I now sit as the Chair of the board and all I can think to myself is wow. How can this be? How did I get here?
I am now an educator, who loves every moment of working with my students. Working with children with multiple disabilities and Autism and their families is so much fun!! There is never a dull moment. They bring me so much joy! I was able to meet these goals while working 3 jobs, I am down to 2 now, taking care of my mother, until she transitioned last year, seeing my son pursuing his singing career, getting my daughter one year closer to graduating from college. My love for being there for others would not allow me to stop pursuing my dream and the funny part about it is, I’m not done. I am still re-inventing myself. My story has only just begun.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh no, this road has been rougher the streets of Cleveland! I endured lots of struggled along this journey. Being a single mom, never having a job that financially kept me and my family afloat and having to sacrifice what I wanted because that is what a mother is supposed to do. It was very rough. My mother did everything in her power to help me and be there for me in any way she possibly could. Even after being forced to retire due to health issues, she was there. I knew I couldn’t and wouldn’t lean on her always. I had to pave my way, but it was so hard. Doors were always closing on me and I just felt like I couldn’t catch a break.
I lost jobs, was laid off of jobs and it always happened when I was attempting to make things better for my family. There were times I had no idea how my children were going to eat or if the lights and gas would be cut off. All of this on my head while I was trying to keep up with my classes. There was a time while pursuing my master’s that my mother was hospitalized and she flatlined right before my eyes. My heart sank and I thought I was losing my best friend! It wasn’t over for her yet, God said “Just a little more time.” I went through my mom being hospitalized for 2-2.5 months, then 2 months of rehabilitation. Looking back on this, I know it was only God who carried me and strengthened me because I never stopped with my classes. Not to mention, I cleaned offices at night
In the midst of my mom being in rehabilitation, she was abruptly sent home by her nurse. I knew she wasn’t ready, but I said OK. As soon as I return from my daughter’s volleyball games, she played travel volleyball during the off season, I’ll be ready for her to come home. My mom returned home on March 5, 2020. On March 13, 2020, everything shut down. I attended school/did student teaching, took care of my mom, worked, and tried to maintain all through Covid-19.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently work for one of the largest urban school districts in Ohio. I am an Intervention Specialist for the Low Incidence classroom, grades 3-5. This means I work in a self-contained classroom with students, in grades 3-5, who have multiple disabilities and Autism. The disabilities can be cognitive, physical, intellectual, or other health impairment. I am responsible for teaching the students reading, math, science, and social studies, along with functional skills. This ranges from toileting, independent feeding, clothing, etc. I am also responsible for teaching social emotional skills.

I create Individual Education Plans (IEP) for my students. In this legal document I create goals and objectives based on the needs of the students and the goals parents have for their child. I work closely with the Speech, Occupational, and Physical therapists to make sure the students are receiving the best services from all stakeholders involved in their education and well-being.
I am known for being the calm and peaceful teacher. I create an atmosphere in my classroom of a peaceful, safe, sanctuary. A lot of my coworkers come to my classroom just to get away from the high excitement that occurs in the rest of the school building. I am also known for my caring of and dedication to my students. I always fight for them and their families to be sure the student is receiving the best education and services in and outside of the school building.
I am most proud of the culture I created in my classroom, and I hope it is something that will be talked about for years to come. My students know they belong when they came to my class. They know they can accomplish goals and that they are loved and supported.
I think my passion sets me apart from others. I lean very hard on my faith in God and He has carried me and my students through a lot. I pray for my classroom every single morning before I come into the school building. From there, I don’t allow anything to get me down, because if you do, your work will consume you and then it is no longer fun.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the quiet kid. I was more comfortable being with my mother, grandparents, and great aunts and uncles. I soaked up all the love and knowledge they had to share with me. I definitely believe I learned how to be nurturing from them. I loved to read, draw, play games, all of the things any kid in the late 70s early 80s liked to do. I always did well in school and loved arts and crafts. i would beg my mother to buy me yarn, knitting and crochet needles, and latch hook kits. I would sit and work on these things for hours.
My friends knew I was a true jokester, who loved music, to dance, and make money as much as I possibly could. Anytime I money as a child, I saved it and would only spend my money if I knew there was something I really wanted. A lot of times, i would buy my brothers and best friend things from the corner store if we were together. My brothers always knew they could come to me to get some change or to buy them something.
Although I was a typical child in many ways, I was very observant and took mental notes all the time on people and how they did things. I believe I am still that way today. I think that helps me alot to assess my students in the classroom.