We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Keyana Jaji. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keyana below.
Hi Dr. Jaji, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Self-care is an instrumental element in my life. In this day and age, we are constantly on the “GO and it is easy to get bogged down in the hustle and bustle of life. It can be draining both mentally and physically and our body has a way to tell us that we need to slow down. I believe in the power of a positive mindset and self-care is an important component of that. In the past, I use to always put others first. I always strived to make sure that everyone and everything was taken care of. I have learned through life experiences that it is very important to ensure the best for my well-being as well. As a result, I have learned to implement self-care. I can’t be the best version of myself unless I take care of “me!” Some ways that I incorporate self-care in my day-to-day life is by the following: traveling, reading, gardening, listening to music, my faith in God and by establishing boundaries.
The impact that self-care has had includes the following: peace of mind, healthy mindset, boost my mood and better health.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Currently, I am a fifth grade teacher at an elementary school in Cobb County School District (CCSD is located in Marietta, Georgia). Throughout my 25 years as an educator, I have had the opportunity to teach various grade levels (including serving 8 years outside the class as an instructional coach). As an instructional coach, I worked with teachers in the areas of best practices in reading and mathematics and conducted various professional learning trainings for elementary and middle school teachers.
Additionally, I am the proud owner of Kreative Learning Resource Center, Inc. located in the Metro-Atlanta Area. Kreative Learning Resource Center is a nonprofit organization and was established in 2009. KLRC is an educational non-profit that offers virtual or mobile tutoring services and homework support for students in grades Pre K-12 and adult learners. KLRC also offers parent workshops. Kreative Learning Resource Center is a family and community-oriented organization that extends service beyond tutoring to ensure that students are exposed to additional learning opportunities.
My most recent accomplishment entails, writing and publishing my first children’s book. It Will Get Brighter is a book about a boy who learns how to overcome obstacles by harnessing the power of positive thinking.
I was inspired to write this book because I strongly believe that being a successful learner starts with having a positive mindset. When a child has a positive mindset, it helps build resilience and self-confidence. It also teaches children how to push forward and persevere, despite challenges. Since the publishing of my first book, I have had opportunities to visit local schools and read my book to students. Last year, I participated in Austell, Georgia’s first Black Authors Forum. I am currently working on my second book and hope to have it published in 2024.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities that are most impactful in my journey include the following: perseverance/tenacity, optimism and mindset.
If I had to provide advice for people early in their journey, it would be the following: understand that when challenges occur, use the challenge as a learning opportunity; don’t quit, rise above obstacles. Take baby steps, success is not created overnight. Maintain a positive attitude and mindset.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am a firm believer that great things can happen when we collaboratively work together. There is power in numbers! I am currently looking for passionate educators or organizations with similar visions/missions ( Our mission is to promote educational excellence by inspiring and empowering youth to think creatively and critically in a global society in partnership with students, parents and the community) that would like to partner with Kreative Learning Resource Center, Inc. Let’s connect.
Dr. Keyana Jaji
www.kreativelearningcenter.org
kreativelearningctr@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: kreativelearningcenter.org
- Instagram: @keyanajaji
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/KLRCinc
- Linkedin: Dr. Keyana Hadley
- Twitter: @kreativecenter
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