5 Questions with Jonnea Kirlew

“Education is the key to success” is a phrase that many may recite for the sole purpose of doing so. For Jonnea Kirlew, however, it has been a mantra that sets the tone for her own life and guides how she encourages others to make the most of theirs. As an educator, an author, a dreamer and someone filled with much hope, she has made it her life’s purpose to encourage young ladies to aim for the lives they deserve while using education as the ultimate tool. Not only has she written a book to guide them on how to do just that, but she also uses her own life’s story and experiences as great examples of how it doesn’t matter where your journey starts; all that matters is where it ends. Through hope, dedication, resilience, ambition and confidence, Jonnea believes that there are no better ways to ensure that your journey is one that will lead you to your dreams. As she has always been a motivation for others, we believe that her words can also be a motivation to you!

What inspired you to become an educator?

I like to think that I was born to be an educator. I believe it is my calling, and it all began with teaching my teddies and dolls, whether it was about a content area or their behaviour.

My motivation was ignited throughout primary and secondary schooling when I was exposed to the hearts of educators on several occasions, and I quickly discovered that being an educator is truly a profession of passion. These teachers have had a significant impact on my life in a variety of ways, including educationally, socially, and financially. I was awestruck by these beings who saw my potential and invested in me by creating the conditions and spaces I needed to thrive. Soon after, I developed a passion for education and recognized that I could utilize it to improve my social and economic standings. This realization prompted me to pursue a career as an educator, where I could share my knowledge and aid in the cognitive and social development of students. Thus, having a direct impact on their lives as they thrive, and widen their horizon in such a way that can only come from being an educated person.

Particularly, I chose to teach foreign languages, because I was so passionate about the different languages and their cultures, and I wanted to be a part of the transformation in how they are received in Jamaica.

I am an educator because I see beyond the classroom with students and subject areas. I see little humans who need to see the light in order to grow into their full potential, contribute positively to society and live the lives they deserve.

As a young educator, what do you think can be done to better guide and uplift students?

I believe that a lot is being done in our schools to guide and uplift the students. We need all stakeholders to be active participants in the shaping of our nation's youth in order to run fully functional schools. We are all accountable for these "little humans," as I affectionately refer to them. While I admit there are times when we fall short, I believe our efforts as a village are greater.

Teachers and other stakeholders are accountable for each generation that passes through the system, and I feel that now, more than ever, we are focusing on more than just subject areas and traditional and standard testing. Educators are building the good psychosocial settings that our children require in order to feel safe, learn, develop and thrive. Also, the hidden curriculum is being embraced, in which we assist youngsters to unlearn some qualities, teach them new behaviours, and model positive characteristics that we feel will help them become good citizens. As a result, we are uplifting and developing students to become holistic beings as we train the ‘whole man’. Furthermore, through the guidance departments in the schools, there are activities geared at supporting and elevating our youngsters, such as forums, peer support groups and social clubs, which are very beneficial to those who participate in them.

On the other hand, I was always pensive about the literature and themes of focus in the schools. I propose that students read more books that highlight the theme of uplifting and guiding our youth. One can read a brilliant Shakespearean play, and pass the exam, but books written by Jamaicans with real-life experiences will forever resonate with them.

In addition to this, I believe that we can improve the way in which we uplift the students by meeting them where they are like the ‘hyper and media-fanatic babies’. Therefore, we can stage concerts featuring their favourite upstanding media personalities/social media influencers, who will more than likely capture their attention for an extended period of time, while boosting their confidence and conveying the relevant messages. These same individuals could be part of a big sister and big brother program to help groom the nation’s children.

It is without a doubt that a lot is being done to uplift our youth in this climate where there is a battle between what they are being told in the schools and what society tells them. Nonetheless, I would suggest that we place more emphasis on targeting the ‘ new age interests’ to get the most rewarding results, which can only be achieved with all; stakeholders, teachers, administration, parents and students alike.

What inspired you to be an author?

Every expression of art is a unique gift to the world. A book is a tangible reward that serves as a magical depiction of certain aspects of life. The more you read, the further you travel and the more you experience without having to move.

My experience with the English language was not always a good one. In fact, I would often fail or receive a low grade in the language. By the age of 16, I gained some proficiency in speaking and writing and had read a few books to prepare myself for examinations, but none of them was tailored to giving me hope or assisting me in navigating life. I imagined that after college, I would have had it figured out, but it was still a new world to me, with no guidance. Upon entering the classroom, I had so many questions from my students about how to navigate different spaces and deal with the events/issues that had transpired in their lives, prompting me to consider how I could assist them. I frequently utilized stories to enlighten them since they captivated their attention and effectively communicated the morals and principles. Then it dawned on me that there were many young people who really did not know how to ‘do life’. Fortunately, I've had the opportunity to teach a few of them, but what about the others that I may never encounter? Those who are extremely ambitious and resilient, but require a chance and knowledge in order to truly bloom. Since then, I could not stop thinking about others in my school, community and the wider society, and how many of them, like me, were in need of representation. So, I thought, how could I leave permanent guides on earth and what better way to do so than by writing books?

I can say that my desire to inspire young girls, improve their confidence, and give them hope for the future was the motivation behind my decision to become an author. I wanted them to know that someone just like them ran the race to the finish line and that it is possible for them to do so as well. Thus, being able to relate to someone who has been in their shoes, and was done through readability and relatability because sometimes we are not lost because our path is not paved in gold; we simply need a guide to keep us on track.

Your background and that of Hope, in your book ‘Awakened By A Dream’, seem very similar. Would you say that your story is being told through her eyes?

Yes, my upbringing and the background of the main character, Hope, in my book ‘Awakened By A Dream,’ are very similar. She is a reflection of myself and how I viewed and experienced life, which is told through her eyes in a light-hearted manner while highlighting real issues/themes. The main one is the significance of having hope in a world where it seems to be frail, especially being brought up in the ‘lower’ social class of society. She embraces loving life, though it was not always in her favour, as she narrates the events of her life, with the hope of being her sister's keeper and providing hope, which is exactly who I have been in my personal life since a young age.

What keeps you motivated?

‘I Can Do All Things Through Christ’ is a biblical scripture that has done wonders in my life because I have repeated it so many times that it has become a part of me. I have managed to be incredibly motivated intrinsically, but I also do have other people and factors that keep me motivated.

I truly believe that motivation starts from within - intrinsically- and it is something you constantly work on as you consider new approaches to achieve self-actualization. By staying focused and motivated, I am giving myself the fair chance to live beautifully. While some people do this through sports, and others through their unique talents, education remains the key for me.

I am also very motivated because I am a first-generation graduate in my family, and I want to lead by example and be able to take care of myself. Apart from that, I had a difficult upbringing with poverty, among many other issues, and I believe that with each self-actualization, I get closer to giving grace and comfort to my younger self, and creating the life I deserve.