We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamaal Rocke. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamaal below.
Hi Jamaal, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Interestingly enough, a purpose was never an entity I chose to seek. To say I found it entails that I had the knowledge, insight and dedication to find my purpose. In actuality, it was purpose that found me. Through hindsight, I can testify to being present in multiple scenes, whether a dream or a nightmare, that equipped me with the necessary tools, while celestially guiding me to where my presence was needed. By following those orders, I have become empowered beyond my own imagination. What I do now understand also, is that for me to remain empowered with this knowledge, peace, resiliency and insight, I must serve those who have not yet have been equipped to survive the battles of their own. An assignment I gladly accept. My purpose.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Jamaal Rocke or Mr. Rocke as I am called by my students, Is a captivating author, dedicated teacher and community advocate. Originally from Belize City, Belize, I embarked on an inspiring journey to the United States during adolescence, bringing with me a passion for writing and performing poetry. I combine my love for education with his commitment to serving the youth through my non-profit while making a profound impact within and beyond the classroom as a middle school Behavioral Specialist. Engaged in my community, I actively uplift others through various initiatives, embodying the true spirit of a mentor. I currently write and perform out of St. Petersburg, Florida. For current performances, events and updates, feel free to check out my website, www.jamaalrocke.com or through Instagram @jamaal_rocke.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three best skills that I have been able to attain are the ability to effectively communicate which can help us throughout or daily battles, the ability to resiliently maintain an established peace within after those daily battles and possessing a knowledge that allows me to understand that the strong rule the weak, but the wise rule the strong, establishing an awareness to know that some daily battles need not to be fought. Seeking a determined path to always to learn what we don’t even know exist and the drive to not let anything of earthly design impede that journey is my advice to those in the genesis of their journey. Mountains can be moved, but only through focused determination.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most important thing my mother did for me was allow me to spread my wings and fly. Immigrating to America provided quite the challenge to say the least. I was only experiencing moments that seem to be out of a nightmare, when the pleasant scene of a dream was expected. Even with these trials, some of which seem be through fire, my mother allowed me to independently flourish before it was my time to leave the nest. I came to the country at age 16, within three months I was living alone in single wide trailer, working a full time, 40-hour workweek at Kmart while attending high school full time. My mother was military and had to be deployed overseas. She was unable to take me with her due to circumstances but her faith in me, in who she raised, in the strength, resiliency and focus that she herself embedded in me, allowed her to make a decision that most parents would not make. To leave their child in a foreign country alone with only the tools taught and with the only protection being a mother’s love. These days I stand proudly as Jamaal, son of Julie.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jamaalrocke.com
- Instagram: @jamaal_rocke
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