We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jaquair Gillette a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jaquair, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I believe I developed my resilience over time. It started when I was growing up as a kid. Exploring things and not being afraid to fail even though I hated to fail. Whether in creative activities like drawing or making things or in sports. Through that I began to realize that I hated to give up or not give it my best more than not trying.
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?
I like to say that I’m a co-creator of stories that show the beauty and truth of humanity and its possibilities, and I invest in dreams and ideas that can benefit everyone. I do that as an actor in film,tv, and theater. Also as a spoken word poet, that released a book of poems entitled, “Defiance & Desperation. In addition, as a producer of the festival award-winning film 3rd& 4th Chapters, Defiance & Desperation:Documentary Performance Art Film, and the upcoming film The American Jungle: The Consequences of Myths”. Lastly, my work in food justice as a co-founding committee member of Greenacre Community Garden in my hometown of Paterson, NJ and I donate time and monies to organizations of social justice and environmental issues.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Developming my creativity, critical & analytical thinking skills, and research skills have been crucial. They helped me to be able to see obstacles differently and from different angles. Also doing research and gaining knowledge then implementing that knowledge all has helped me be who I wanted to be and do what I want to do. I recommend using your imagination and creativity, gaining knowledge, whether in class, online, or even the public library to help you in your life’s journey.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I tend to feel overwhelmed from time to time because I feel like there is so much to do and so little time in this thing we call life. When I feel this way I have to remind myself to breathe and breathe easy. Pray to further cultivate the patience and discipline inside yourself. Take things one at a time and build things one brick at a time. Things will get finished in its time and do the best for who you are and what you have.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.iamjaquair.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamjaquair
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jaquair
- Other: https://www.fanbase.app/@iamjaquair
Image Credits
Jaquair Gillette, The R.E.B.E.L. Experience, Mario Emmanuel, Greenacre Community Garden, WordSeedInc.
