Meet Jamea Johnson | Student

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

Hi Jamea, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote has always been “If you never do more than you can, you will never be more than you are.” I believe that Master Oogway said it in Kung Fu Panda 3 LOL! Most people think it’s funny that I can take a quote from a movie I saw once as a kid and be able to apply some adult meaning to it. To be honest, I draw a lot of inspiration from children’s shows and movies. I think the writers sneak these quotes and affirmations in that are meant for kids but understood by adults. But the quote really stuck with me because it’s all about going outside of your comfort zone, going for things that you know are going to be difficult, and doing them anyway because you know that you will be better for it. People consider me a jack of all trades because I’m a part of so many different organizations: the Student Government on my college campus, an officer of my Phi Theta Kappa chapter, and an ambassador for Keep Texas Beautiful, among so many other things, but it was really just me living by this quote. I’ve pushed myself so much to try new things, to be involved in a variety of organizations, so that by picking up different experiences and bits of knowledge from them all, I could be the best version of myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I currently work as a student employee for a department at Tarrant County College called the Intercultural Network. Here we work to promote student success and academic engagement, specifically with students of color. We operate under five pillars: academic, social/emotional, career, leadership, and personal growth development. My work primarily focuses on the Women of Color program, where I work with our female student population and provide a safe space for them to express themselves and have crucial discussions.

I think what sets me apart from so many others in this field is my age. I graduated high school at 16, and started college right after. I picked up this position at 17, which puts me so much closer in age to the girls that I work with (even though technically they’re all older than me!) I’m able to share so many of their sentiments, give insight on similar issues we’ve all faced, and they tend to feel a lot more comfortable sharing things with me. I’m also extremely candid and unafraid to talk about subjects that may be considered taboo or controversial. I’ve talked to the ladies in the program about sex, health, relationships, and so many more topics that they’ve wanted to explore through our meetings.

The things that I am most proud of is when students tell me about the impact that we’ve made on them. Attending an HSI means that there is not always adequate representation of African American students, and so to address this need, our department organized an HBCU day. College reps from HBCUs across the country came to our campus so that students could explore schools beyond the PWI and HSI universities that are typically presented to us. One student in particular came to me, repeatedly expressing her joy about finally being introduced to schools that suited her needs as a student of color. Through the things I’ve accomplished and the mark that I’ve made on my college campus as a Student Government officer, Phi Theta Kappa officer, and active student in the campus community, my next biggest accomplishment is being asked to be the student keynote for my graduation ceremony.

I got to this place by getting over my fear of putting myself out there. I first got involved in this department as a student. I attended a few of their events and realized that the atmosphere that they created was something missing from my college experience. When I found out they were hiring for a part-time employee, I jumped for the opportunity to work with them. Spoiler alert: I ended up not getting the job. But the coordinator, who I’ve grown to love so much over the year that I’ve worked with him, reached out to me and offered me a student employment position. I immediately accepted and have worked with them ever since.

This journey in my role has definitely not been easy. I had to work through a lot of pain and betrayal that came from two people that I was extremely close with. I also had to learn how to take accountability for my personal mistakes and learning how to move forward with my life. Being a teenager also brought on its own set of challenges, working through my complicated family relationship, navigating friendships, and deciding on my career path.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned through my educational journey and growing into my career path is to take time, write things down, and always have a plan. I always knew that I wanted to be in psychiatric care, but through my time in college, I learned that I am so big on student and patient advocacy. This was further cemented when my college sent me to Austin for Community College Day at the capitol. I spent time with various legislators and their office staff and walked away with so much insight and so much new inspiration. I’m glad that I took my time on deciding on the trajectory of my life and career, because now I’m able to focus in on psychiatric care and advocacy for veterans’, homeless, and incarcerated people. I’ve started developing my plan to finish out med school, work with patients, and eventually return to law school or begin a legal career where I can use my medical experience to influence policy.

The main thing I want the world to know about me and my story is that success did not come easy. Just a few years ago, I was at risk of not graduating high school. The last place I wanted to be was at a community college, but I came, and I conquered. I’ve made a lasting impact on the lives of the people around me. Through it all though, I still consider myself as a normal girl. I listen to pop music, I LOVE frozen yogurt, I cry during romance movies, and I’ve made just as many, if not more mistakes, than the average person. There is so much beauty in being both average and extraordinary.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So I live in Grand Prairie, and if y’all know anything about GP, you know that we are the perfect distance between Dallas and Fort Worth! I’m also a really meticulous planner so I’d definitely start by drafting up a Word document and listing each day, each meal, each activity, all down to the minute.

For breakfast each day, I’d probably actually cook! One of my hobbies that I’ve maintained through my life is my passion for cooking and making people happy with my food. I also like to entertain my friends and guests in my home by hosting parties where we all cook together.

For Monday, I’d take them to Waxahachie for the day. I think it’s a super cute town with a lot of smaller boutiques and businesses. I love the historical, southern Gothic feel of the town, so spending the day down there would be the perfect start to a good week. I’d also have lunch and dinner there.

For Tuesday, I’d visit the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas. The tickets are free, and they usually have a great and very insightful exhibit. My favorite show that they’ve put together so far has been Yanga: The Afro-Mexican Experience. It tells the story of Yanga, and African slave that escaped to Mexico and built an entire village for runaway slaves to create their own society. I’d also have lunch in Dallas, probably at Velvet Taco.

For Wednesday, we would spend a day at Lake Lewisville! I love spending time outdoors and getting sun in the months where it’s not too hot, so a day at the lake, and then a picnic while the sun sets is not only getting me some Vitamin D, but it’s also picturesque and great to go on my Instagram! Wednesday is also rooftop salsa-dancing night at Vidorra in Deep Ellum, so I usually go down and get my salsa on if I’m not studying.

For Thursday, I’d honestly want to take a day off, because my social battery would definitely be running low! But for later in the day, I think Chicken N Pickle is a nice spot to hang out at. There’s a rooftop, where usually they have live music, great food, and the opportunity to play games and hang on the lawn. It’s also located near the river directly in front of my gym, The Epic, where I like to take a walk after a workout.

Friday is when the real fun starts! I’d want to take them shopping to prep for the fun weekend, so a trip to the Galleria and lunch at the Grand Luxe Cafe only seems right. Then a night a Cowboys Red River, because I love country music (anyone who knows me will tell you that I wear boots everyday!) and dancing.

Saturday, we’d have lunch at the Gardens Restaurant after spending time at the Botanical Gardens. I’d get tickets to the Fort Worth ballet, and spend the evening there. Dinner would probably be birria tacos because my late night cravings would kick in!

For a send-off on Sunday, I definitely throw the biggest backyard party with my homemade barbecue and all of our friends, great music, and putting our swimming pool to use.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely feel like I have to credit some of the people I’ve worked with at Tarrant County College for helping me along the way.

To my former advisor but forever mentor, Frankie Ward: You’ve been by my side since literally day one. You allowed me into the first campus organization that I really got involved in, you helped me step into my role, and contributed to my growth and success. You taught me to keep working through my most difficult times, to take accountability, but more importantly, that as a student, I have a voice, and it’s my responsibility to use it for the good of others. Thank you for supporting me and understanding me when no one else did.

To my family at the Intercultural Network: Working alongside you all has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Giving me a space to be myself, to be creative, and to bring the amazing projects and events that we’ve put together to life has done so much for me. I could never say thank you enough for the support, the love, the laughter, and the great times that we’ve had together.
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Image Credits
John McGee