Author Jeevan Brown At Johnson C. Smith University
This past Monday was like a dream come true. I had the opportunity to speak at my alma mater Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). I held a seminar about my book A Lesson Learned for 150 incoming freshmen. In case you're not familiar with A Lesson Learned here's a little synopsis. I interviewed 16 of my friends and family members who all had a trial and tribulation (grief, STDs, drugs, sports, rape, finances and more) during their college years. Each chapter ends with a "lesson learned" where the main character and I give advice on how to persevere through these obstacles. You can read more about it here. These individual stories happened at colleges throughout the country, but majority of them took place at JCSU making this seminar extra special.
The seminar was held in Biddle Hall, a place I frequented a lot during my time at JCSU. Walking in I couldn't believe I was about to speak at Biddle. A few minutes before the students walked in I excused myself and said a quick prayer and thank you to the man above. I kicked things off explaining the importance of picking the right major and pursuing a career that makes you happy. I expressed the value of having a plan. I gave examples of how I executed my dreams and ended up working with OZONE Magazine which all started from picking the right major and having internships in college.
I also gave examples of celebrities who manifested their dreams through hard work, faith, prayer, and writing it down. I specifically emphasized the importance of writing your goals down and provided examples of celebrities who did the same. I knew this would grab their attention. I told them about Morolake Akinosun, the Olympic track runner who tweeted that she would be running in the Olympics five years before it happened. Or how rapper Nicki Minaj wrote in a song that she would be with Beyonce in Paris 3 years before it happened. Towards the end of the seminar I explained how I did the same with my book. The power of manifestation, prayer, and hard work is real!
Next I went into the the story telling portion of the seminar and the expression on their faces were priceless. Especially when I told the "Live By Faith, Not By Sight" story that has captured the emotions of a few readers. Of course the hysterical story "HIGHway Patrol" made them laugh. But a certain calm came over the room when I told the "Let It Burn" (STD) and "19 & Pregnant" story. You could tell they were listening and taking mental notes on what not to do. After every story I gave advice and bullet points on how to avoid these mistakes. To make sure they remembered the advice I had them take notes. We later played the interactive mobile game Kahoot! that had questions from the key points I explained. Winners won gift cards to Urban Outfitters, Starbucks, Target, Chick-Fil-A, Krispy Kreme, and much more.
After telling the STD and pregnancy story we played the "Temptation Paper Plate" game. There were two teams of 5 lined up in separate rows and each person had to stand on a paper plate, but the last person had an extra plate in his hand. In order for the team to move forward the last person had to pass the plate to the front of the line and the person in front could only walk forward by stepping on the extra plate. This was repeated until the winning team reached the finish line. The paper plate represented a "stepping stone" and the bare floor represented temptation. The purpose of the game was for them to help each other avoid temptation and have accountability partners. I translated this to them having a friend who will help them avoid situations that could lead them down the wrong path.
I concluded the seminar with a finance section were I discussed student loans, credit cards, refund checks and paying the loans back after graduating. I reverted back to having a plan and showed them everything I've accomplished this year since releasing my book. I also answered questions for the students and signed books afterward. Special thanks to Dean Jones and Ms. White for having me and to my cousin Neema for helping. This was another gratifying moment to add to the long list of things God has done for me this year. There's a lot more to come. Stay tuned! JCSU!
Check out the pictures below!
