We had the good fortune of connecting with Candra McKenzie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Candra, what makes you happy? Why?
What makes me happy is the little things in life. When I go hiking with my dog on nature trails, it is a way to recenter me and appreciate all the earth offers. It is great to see him get excited on walking on the trails and discovering new smells or seeing animals we do not get to see often. Small life moments to help make me feel grateful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a New York City Public High School Teacher. I started my journey almost out of college nearly 20 years ago! It is surreal to think I am still in a profession despite how chaotic it was when I started due to school closures and teachers being excessed during Mayor Michael Bloomberg administration. Then teaching during a global pandemic and now teaching after the pandemic. I think I have stayed in the profession this long due to having support from allies inside and outside the classroom. Due to fast growing population of students who speak multiple languages, I decided to become dual-certified in English and English as a Second Language teacher. By working in a new license it is almost like being a first year teacher again since it humbles you your teaching practice. Teaching is never easy which is why I made the podcast, HallPassBreak. I wanted to show how people who work in the field of education inside and outside the classroom in order to make it a better place. I do not limit my shows to NYC. I highlighted educators right here in South Carolina like Dr. Ferlondo J. Tullock who is now the Superintendent of the Calhoun County Schools. I want people to see the ups and downs in the classroom are not limited to one region, but nationwide. There is so much I have learned from working in the classroom and trying to balance creating a podcast. It is not easy. I am still learning from everyone including the students in the classroom. By including student voices in the podcast, it helps keep me connected to the work I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
South Carolina has some amazing places to visit. First would be a visit t0 my family’s funeral home: Jenkins Funeral Home with two locations in Cameron and Saint Matthews. I think it is a historical site since it has been around for over 100 years and not only is black owned, but run by a woman, my Aunt Beverly Bovian. It is a testament to the history of Black people making a business at a time when it was hard to do. Yet, it lives on to this day. After that brief walk in history, you can get a nice lunch at the Bleu Market Cafe. It is also in Cameron and a business run by a black woman. They have delicious foods and the menu never disappoints. Depending on the time of the year, you can head to Orangeburg to South Carolina State University, an HBCU, to check out a football team along with the latest college fashion. Or just to tour the campus. If you are still hungry, I love to go to Duke’s BBQ for their all-you-can-eat BBQ. Of course there is Charleston and Myrtle Beach where no matter where you land, you will find some place to relax and enjoy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out my mentor Ndlela Nkobi. If it were not for him I would have given up on my podcast a long time ago. His reassurances and celebrations help to encourage me. Larry Smith, the author of 6 word memoir for allowing my students and I the opportunity to be in a published book: “A Terrible, Horrible, No Good Year: Hundreds of Stories on the Pandemic”. And my family for all their support through everything I do.

Website: http://hallpassbreak.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hallpassbreak/

Twitter: @hallpassbreak

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/can.mac.1426876

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cmac9683?si=rJl4WQtPhLV3LIRb

Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hallpassbreak?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.