Today we’d like to introduce you to Derreasha Jones.
Hi Derreasha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Daytona Beach Florida, raised in Deltona Florida and for as long as I could remember, family was and is still the most important thing to me. I am the youngest of 4 brothers whom I love dearly and when I wasn’t cheerleading while they played football, I wrote poetry. I clung to the works of Maya Angelou, Eloise Greenfield, and Edgar Allan Poe. I enjoyed my childhood but hearing bits and pieces of my beginnings always held a question mark over my identity. I later found out that I was adopted. This impacted how I viewed myself, I questioned why I wasn’t wanted. My family was very supportive and helped my perspective change from unwanted and abandoned to blessed and rescued. This experience with identity at such a young age directly connects with many of the themes I write about, my passion for counseling in helping others along their journey, and being an advocate.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I forever remain grateful to God for being blessed and placing mentors in my life that provide essential life advice and motivate me to do more. I am proud of being a hard worker but the road to success is long and difficult. In those moments of self-doubt, imposter syndrome or just even knowing that every dime you earned is going straight to bills, it can be easy to want to give up or wonder what is it that I’m chasing. I hold on to the hope of creating a better life for my future children -so that they won’t have to worry about any of the things my parents and then my siblings and I struggled with. I also want to do what I can to advocate for systemic equity for the Black Community -It’s heart-wrenching knowing American history and still seeing its harmful effects and society just expecting us to just pick up from where we are and be great -even though we are… the road to success shouldn’t be this difficult for a people of such heart and talent.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a self-published author, I enjoy writing about lived experiences. I usually choose to express my thoughts through poetry but find many forms of writing intriguing. My first book “What Must I Know?” Is a chronological account of poems I wrote from 2011-2018 ranging from themes of love, loss, and heartbreak to existentialism and Black empowerment. These last two themes conveniently encompass my academic endeavors into psychology and how I spend my past time serving my communities as an advocate. I’m most known for advocating for the representation, safety, and inclusion of the Black community at the University of Central Florida. My advocacy has been recognized for the creation of the Dr. John T. Washington center mural and multicultural student space on campus.
In my most recent book, Catching the Grains readers are encouraged to take note of small moments and appreciate them as they do slip away like grains of sand. As I return to UCF to pursue my Master’s in Counseling this Fall, I plan to encourage my clients to practice mindfulness daily. Catching the Grains walks readers through small sentimental moments of my childhood, and provides a closer look into my journey of understanding identity and self-love.
Currently, I am working on a Sci-Fi Dystopian Novel “QUOD: To be and so they were”, about a doctor in 2058 who specializes in inclusive prosthetics. After his family is attacked, he is introduced to a special ingredient that enhances his inventions in otherworldly ways. What is the cost of a human life over another? What secrets of the universe is he willing to expose to be the best in his world?
What sets me apart from others is my ability to be dynamic through faith -I am willing to try and learn. I know that wherever I go, I will add value and uplift those around me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
As a pastor’s kid, I was raised not to believe in luck. I was raised on prayer, grace, and believing in God’s will. The more pain I experienced through life, the more I learned to put my trust in God. The beauty of letting go is knowing that he knows my heart’s desires, he has plans for me to prosper and not to harm me. I’ve realized when I did not receive certain things I wanted, that those “things” were not in his will and there was better for me. Every time I seemed to lose; I’d win five times over. Keeping the faith is worth it. I understand those that struggle with faith, but I could never live out here believing in nothing. Every day lived is another testimony and we’re all here for a reason, someway somehow you had to make it here and he made sure of it.
Pricing:
- Book 1: “What Must I Know?” $15 Amazon
- Book 2: “Catching the Grains” $15 Amazon
- Speaking Engagements (Diversity) $100/hr
- Speaking Engagements (Motivational) $100/hr
Contact Info:
- Email: Derreashaj@gmail.com
Image Credits
Nicholas Leyva
