|
This page dives into the personal philosophies and inspirations that underpin my approach to life, scholarship, and education, embodied by the "Dr. Berry" persona. Here, I'll share the story behind the moniker, the principles of "Nothing Easy!!" and "Kung-Fu," the evolution of my personal emblem, and the vital sources of inspiration that fuel my journey.
|
|
Before I go on, let me explain that "Dr. Berry" thing. That's a moniker with a story even longer than that of "El Patrón Himself" , so here it is:
It all started back when I was a teacher at the Colombo Americano, in Medellín. Since my last name is "Mora", which is "Blackberry" in English, some of my friends used to call me "Mr. Blackberry", which got shortened over the years to "Mr. Berry". Fast forward to 2010, when I returned to Colombia. One of my friends from the Colombo days, now an esteemed colleague and dearest friend at my university, updated the moniker according to my new degrees, and, therefore, I was now "Doctor Berry". One day I told my preservice teachers that the could address me as Raúl, Prof. Mora, Dr. Mora, or... "Dr. Berry"... and well, the students chose to start calling me "Dr. Berry"... and that has gone on for 13 years. I find it very endearing, although I've had a few students in the past address me as "Dr. Berry" in correspondence to other faculty (yes, I've had to tell them that "Dr. Mora" is the customary title in those cases)! I like this moniker, and I even sign my emails as "Dr. Berry" (which sometimes causes my students to freak out when I sign "Dr. Mora"). Over the years, not only my students, but other colleagues in the literacy circuit also like calling me Dr. Berry, so that's who I am. When it comes to the lessons I try to teach my students beyond the classroom, I have drawn from three things: my old motto, Nothing Easy!!, the idea of Kung-Fu, and my Rules. I will explain them below, along with a long list of inspirational characters... but before that, let me address two questions folx sometimes ask about: the logo I use for this website.... and the hair.! |
|
My personal motto, "Nothing Easy!!" (yes, with two exclamation marks!), emerged during the challenging but transformative process of writing my dissertation. It became my battle cry then, and it remains a constant source of motivation today. For me, "Nothing Easy!!" is more than just a phrase; it's a profound life philosophy. I discovered this powerful concept in an unexpected place: basketball. I encountered that phrase at a pivotal moment in my life, which solidified my unwavering determination to complete my dissertation.
If things come too easily, we often don't appreciate them as much. The endeavors that demand effort, struggle, and perseverance are the ones that truly matter, shaping us and giving us a greater sense of achievement. This principle reminds me daily to continue honing my "Kung-Fu" and never take success for granted. It's a belief so central to who I am that I even have it tattooed on my left arm—because, let's be honest, it wasn't "Hakuna Matata" that helped me finish my doctorate! |
|
While commonly associated with martial arts in popular culture, Kung-Fu (or Gung-Fu) holds a deeper philosophical meaning for me: the development of one's skill or art through training and hard work. This concept is central to my understanding that true mastery is never fully achieved; it's an ongoing journey of dedication and continuous improvement.
Working on my Kung-Fu means committing to being an excellent teacher and a rigorous researcher, but equally, it means striving to be the best son, brother, friend, uncle, dog parent, and husband I can be. I often tell my students to work on their "kung-fu," believing in their potential to become exceptional educators through hard work and perseverance, just as I learned from my own "Shaolin Masters back at the cornfields." These days, with my distinctive afro, I affectionately call this continuous pursuit Kung-Fro, a nod to my personal style and my dedication, visible through my #kungfrojedimaster hashtag on Instagram. |
2016 logo
2021 logo
2023 logo
Current Logo
|
My personal brand is also reflected in the evolution of my website's logo and my distinctive afro. The first iterations of my logo subtly incorporated a screw head icon, a deeply personal symbol derived from a complex tibia injury and surgery in 2007. This "1-plate, 2-pins, 5-screws" combination marked a pivotal, challenging period that ultimately led to profound personal and academic growth. The icon serves as a constant reminder of that transformative journey, keeping me grounded and grateful for the path I've trodden. As I recently turned 50 and updated my website, I chose to update the logo to better reflect the "Dr. Berry" motif—because while the screws are on my leg, I am Doctor Berry.
|
|
As for the afro, it has become an integral part of my identity. This is actually the second time I've sported the 'fro, the first being briefly during grad school in 2005. The permanent return began in 2013 during my honeymoon, a "midlife crisis" decision (with my partner Polina as my main accomplice!). Since then, with the addition of indigenous headbands, epic scarves, and vests, the afro has become a distinctive part of my ensemble. It's a visible representation of my roots and has even become a playful academic asset, as it certainly helps me stand out and serves as extra motivation to ensure my scholarship speaks for itself.
|
Here with my mentor and sensei, Prof. Willis, in one of our conference coffee moments!
|
My scholarship and personal philosophies are fueled by a diverse array of thinkers, theorists, and researchers spanning fields like literacy, socio-cultural theories, and critical theory. Equally important are the inspirations I draw from real and fictional popular culture icons, whom I playfully refer to as "post-modern philosophers."
SCHOLARS Pierre Bourdieu, Paulo Freire, Mikhail Bakhtin, Henry Giroux, Peter McLaren, Theodore Adorno, Arlette Willis (my mentor and dissertation director), Bill Cope, Colin Lankshear, Bob Stake, Brian Street, Antonia Darder, Myles Horton, bell hooks, John Dewey, Louise Rosenblatt, Mark Dressman, Liora Bresler, Orlando Fals-Borda, Gunther Kress, Jan Blommaert. WRITERS Walt Whitman, Aldous Huxley, (Dr.) Hunter S. Thompson. POST-MODERN PHILOSOPHERS Post-Modern Philosophers: James Brown, Batman, Spider-Man, Green Lantern, James Hetfield, Sting, Marshall Mathers III, Facundo Cabral, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bruce Lee, Tommie Smith, John Carlos, Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali. |
Connor MacLeod (front) and Duncan MacLeod (back) rocking a doggie version of the Norwegian Bunad!
|
Beyond academic and pop culture figures, a powerful triad keeps me strong and grounded every step of the way:
MY FAMILY My mom instilled in me the courage to make tough decisions for the greater good. My dad, the ultimate "badass," emphasized hard work, education, and the power of initiative. My sister, an exceptional teacher, always reminds me to ensure our actions don't close doors for those who follow. And my nieces, Isabella and Manuela, reinforce my role as a significant role model, inspiring me to hold myself to the highest standards. POLINA AND THE CLAN MACLEOD My partner-in-academia, ride-or-die, biggest accomplice, and favorite co-author, Polina, is the love of my life whose resilience and discipline constantly inspire me. And then there are our two furry babies, the #truedynamicduo, #kingsofshenanigans, and the fluffiest, cutest, awesomest doggos in the world: Connor MacLeod and Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod (yes, from that movie!). The Grouchinator and Mr. Barbitas are a constant source of joy, keeping me grounded with their simple presence and proving to be excellent writing companions (check them out on Instagram!). THE #LSLPLEGION In my lab, we have a saying: "It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a Legion to build a field." My students at the Literacies in Second Languages Project (LSLP) have been with me through thick and thin. Their dedication and hard work have enabled a significant portion of my career's achievements, and I am profoundly grateful for their collaborative spirit. |
In addition to the scholars and pop culture references that inform my scholarship, there is a triad that keeps me strong and honest every step of the way:
MY FAMILY!
My mom, who taught me that sometimes you need to make hard decisions, even if they make you unpopular at first if that's what's best for those for whom you are responsible.
My dad, the biggest badass I've ever met, who made a big deal about working hard on one's education, and taught me about initiative and how "the one thing people reward with money and fame is initiative" (from "The Letter to García).
My sister, probably one of the best teachers I've ever met (and probably an even better school teacher than I ever was), always reminds me that we all must make sure that whatever we do in life won't close doors to those behind us.
My nieces, Isabella and Manuela, as they remind me that I'm not just their uncle, but a role model and must hold myself to higher standards.
POLINA AND THE CLAN MacLEOD
Here I need to mention my inner circle and immediate family:
First, my partner-in-academia, my ride-or-die, my biggest accomplice and my favorite co-author, the love of my life and everything in between Polina, my favorite study partner, whose resilience and discipline keep rubbing off on me.
And then there's, of course, those two furry babies, the #truedynamicduo, the #kingsofshenanigans, and the fluffiest, cutest, awesomest doggos in the world, Connor MacLeod and Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod (yes, it's because of THAT!). The Grouchinator and Mr. Barbitas are a source of joy and they keep me grounded in the simplest ways. Plus, they're great writing companions! (Check them out on Instagram!)
THE #LSLPLEGION
We have a saying in my lab, "It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a Legion to build a field." My students at LSLP have been through thick and thin with me, and I've been able to do a great deal of work in my career because they've been there.
MY FAMILY!
My mom, who taught me that sometimes you need to make hard decisions, even if they make you unpopular at first if that's what's best for those for whom you are responsible.
My dad, the biggest badass I've ever met, who made a big deal about working hard on one's education, and taught me about initiative and how "the one thing people reward with money and fame is initiative" (from "The Letter to García).
My sister, probably one of the best teachers I've ever met (and probably an even better school teacher than I ever was), always reminds me that we all must make sure that whatever we do in life won't close doors to those behind us.
My nieces, Isabella and Manuela, as they remind me that I'm not just their uncle, but a role model and must hold myself to higher standards.
POLINA AND THE CLAN MacLEOD
Here I need to mention my inner circle and immediate family:
First, my partner-in-academia, my ride-or-die, my biggest accomplice and my favorite co-author, the love of my life and everything in between Polina, my favorite study partner, whose resilience and discipline keep rubbing off on me.
And then there's, of course, those two furry babies, the #truedynamicduo, the #kingsofshenanigans, and the fluffiest, cutest, awesomest doggos in the world, Connor MacLeod and Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod (yes, it's because of THAT!). The Grouchinator and Mr. Barbitas are a source of joy and they keep me grounded in the simplest ways. Plus, they're great writing companions! (Check them out on Instagram!)
THE #LSLPLEGION
We have a saying in my lab, "It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a Legion to build a field." My students at LSLP have been through thick and thin with me, and I've been able to do a great deal of work in my career because they've been there.