From Disadvantage to Determination: How Dr. Carol Swain's Story Fuels My Optimism
Lisa Potter 
This week, I had the pleasure of attending an inspiring talk by Dr. Carol Swain at Princeton University. Dr. Swain’s life story resonates deeply with me. She grew up in extreme poverty, dropped out of high school, and started raising three children at a young age. Despite these early challenges, she later earned a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, became a tenured professor at Princeton and Vanderbilt, and saw her research cited by the U.S. Supreme Court. Today, she is a successful entrepreneur, leading multiple businesses.
During her talk, what struck me most was when she said that she didn’t realize she was "disadvantaged" until she was attending graduate school. By then, her drive and determination already had set her on a path to success. I feel the same way—growing up, I didn’t realize that I was "poor." I just assumed that everyone got free lunch at school! When my kids started public school, I was surprised that lunch wasn’t free because, in my mind, that’s how it worked. This absence of a victim mentality or an underdog narrative helped shape me into the optimistic, risk-taking person that I am today. I believed, perhaps naively, that everything is possible—and frankly, I still do. That belief made me who I am.
As I campaign for the Princeton Board of Education, I carry that same optimism with me. Like Dr. Swain, I believe in focusing on what we can achieve rather than what might hold us back. This perspective is one that I will bring to the BOE, ensuring that we’re not just solving today’s problems but laying the foundation for a brighter future. Our schools should encourage students to see endless possibilities and equip them with the tools to achieve them. Whether in academics or extracurriculars, fostering a mindset of opportunity is crucial.
As a candidate for the Board of Education, I believe in a forward-thinking, optimistic approach to leadership. The challenges that our schools face are real—whether it’s balancing financial sustainability, addressing overcrowding, or ensuring that every child feels supported. But I believe that together, we can meet these challenges with creativity and resilience. Just as I did not allow my circumstances to limit my ambitions, I want to ensure that no child in our district feels as if their potential is capped.
My personal journey and my professional experience in human resources, coupled with my commitment to public service, drive me to bring fresh ideas and a positive perspective to the Board. Together, we can build a school system that not only serves our students today, but also empowers them for tomorrow.
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