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…

One of my students this year says it all: “Ms. Dunbar, I LOVE SCHOOL! I like to learn!”

DS: How important are teachers to the community?

DD: Teachers are very important to the community. At my school, we teach character education to our students. Students learn the importance of respect, responsibility, working hard, and making good life choices. We encourage parent involvement through a host of activities. Some activities we sponsor are literacy night, math night, family picnic, and international festival. All of these activities help foster a “family” feel to our school and through family nurturing children can feel more supported in their academic efforts. As teachers, we have a moral obligation to the community in which we teach to help our students develop into positive contributing citizens.

DS: What’s your ultimate goal as a teacher?

DD: Since I teach kindergarten, my ultimate goal, as a kindergarten teacher is to ensure that my students’ first formal year of school is a positive one. I want to get my students excited about school and learning. I want to help them develop a love for learning that will continue to grow as they move forward through school and life.

DS: Teachers are never forgotten by students, what’s one lesson you would like them to remember as they grow and move on in life?

DD: One lesson I would like my students to remember is to always do your best and be excited by learning new things. One of my students this year says it all: “Ms. Dunbar, I LOVE SCHOOL!  I like to learn!”

DS: What book are you currently reading?

DD: I’m currently reading The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni.

PH: Jerris Madison | Makeup: Jerris Madison