Otis Hackney attended and graduated from Philadelphia schools, and is now dedicated to making all Philadelphia schools the best that they can be.

Before Mayor Kenney appointed Otis to lead the Mayor’s Office of Education, Otis was the principal at South Philadelphia High School. His education career also includes time as a math teacher and basketball coach at Germantown High School.

Although he’s not in the classroom anymore, Otis still enjoys working with young people and helping them grow. Here’s some of his favorite advice to share with students:

1. What is your best piece of advice for students who have big dreams for their futures?

Now is the time to envision yourself as that person or thing that you want to be later. Think about the future.

If you want to be a doctor, think about how a doctor would study, and approach their work in school. It doesn’t matter what you wish to become — focus on how how to get yourself to where you want to be. If you want to do what they’re doing, you have to do what they did.

2. How do you help students who don’t have a specific goal or know their potential just yet?

In high school, I was a kid who didn’t know what he wanted to do at all, but I did enjoy learning. Make sure to nurture whatever natural curiosities you have, formally and informally. Learn as much as you can along the way and figure out what you’re passionate about.

3. What resources does the City offer to help students succeed?

The City, and the Mayor’s Office of Education, have a ton of services available to students. Students who will be attending a local college should check out the City Scholarship.

The Free Library system is also very helpful if you have questions about finding a job, accessing learning opportunities outside of school, or of course, reading! The library is a great resource!

4. What does learning mean to you? What’s one of the greatest lessons you’ve learned?

That’s a hard, almost existential question for me because I can’t imagine not being able to learn! Learning never stops. It is one of the best gifts that we have as humans. We have a self-awareness and self-identity to be able to ask ourselves, “What can I add to myself to enhance my being?”

I learn more and more each day while I’m working, from the people, and including students, around me. One great lesson I’ve learned is that childhood is all about setting yourself up for adulthood. When I talk to young people, I always want to remind them that, even though they may not realize it, they’re preparing themselves for the future right now.

5. What advice would you give to students who get nervous before tests or presentations?

When I was in college, everyone had to take a class on public speaking. During the first speech I gave, I froze. I didn’t know what to do — I even dropped the class because I didn’t think I could do it! When I decided I wanted to become a teacher, being in front of a class all the time made it easier. Teachers have to figure out ways to engage people every single day.

It’s all about being relatable. I try to meet people where they are and speak in very plain language intentionally, so that the message doesn’t get lost. You can have complex conversations in very simple language and still keep people’s attention. Don’t get too caught up in making things sound perfect — you have the information and you know how to share it!

6. Do you have any tips for students that want to grow their time-management and organization skills?

Plan your work and work your plan! Keep it simple. You need a plan, not only for high school, but for college, for your job, and for life in general. Tell yourself, “Okay, this is what I’m gonna stick to, and this is how I’m going to do it.”

7. What advice do you have for parents as their children, mentors, and supports for helping students succeed?

Be engaged early and often. Whatever you can do for children from 0 to 5 years old is the most important because it sets the table for learning. Try to understand and engage with your City’s school district as best you can. Know which questions to ask in order to get the services that your child needs. The Board of Education is a great resource, with public meetings throughout the year.

No matter what your student is looking for, you must navigate available resources to maximize your student’s potential.

The Mayor’s Office of Education, along with the City and School District, is here to help you succeed. We may not always have perfect solutions, but we are all here to listen and help make your voice heard.