Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, is Youth and Motivational Speaker Jim Hernandez. With his ‘Create your LIFE Development Series’ doing well, Jim talks influences, goals, and upstart.

Jim Hernandez travels around the world mentoring young adults from various ethnic backgrounds and takes time out of his schedule to discuss his purpose.

Derrick Smith: How old are you and what inspired you to become a motivational speaker and mentor?

Jim Hernandez: I’m 28. What inspired me? Good question. I wanted to do something positive, something that would empower others. I wanted to do something that no one else around me was doing. Why not become a motivational speaker and a mentor, be myself, share wisdom and knowledge, be positive, and have fun while doing it…

Educators are very important in many ways. They help shape our kids and our future. Reading, writing, and many of life’s lessons are attributed to educators.

Derrick Smith: What inspired you to become a teacher?

Deidra Dunbar: I could answer this question with the predictable, “I had a teacher growing up who inspired me,” but the truth is the teaching profession chose me. I always seemed to have a connection with children. My younger cousins, nieces, and nephews were always drawn to me. Growing up I helped care for children at my daycare and day camp. Going into education was a natural move for me.

DS: What would you say to all aspiring teachers?

DD: To aspiring teachers, I would say examine your motivations. Some people may go into teaching thinking it is an easy way to get a paycheck, but the truth is it is very hard work if you are going to do your job effectively. Children can identify with people who genuinely care about them and those are the people who have the potential to be very effective teachers…