Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Horbrook.
Jacqueline, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I first started “Jackie the Educator” as a blog, I saw so many benefits from sharing on a social platform. This idea was sparked when I read an article that talked about the need for more strategic learning through social media. As I explored this concept through my blog, I noticed that my small efforts, encouraged more people than I ever would have had the capacity to reach, individually. It became clear to me that platforms can be used for more than just fame, they can be used to teach and bring awareness to important issues. Unfortunately, many platforms have been abused, and used only to elevate self-serving individuals. However, there is an opportunity to change this narrative.
Take Will Smith for instance. (If you haven’t seen his Instagram account, you’re missing out.) The way he has engaged his followers through social media has been inspiring to watch. He has managed to develop a platform that not only entertains, but encourages, explores, and teaches. As we learn more about who he is, we also are exposed to other experiences we might never have known.
Jackie The Educator has now developed into a youth empowerment brand, along with a focus on mental & spiritual health. Through my blog, radio show, public speaking events, and recent counseling initiative, I am finally walking in my purpose.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I’ve had many setbacks and mess ups along the way. Although I excelled educationally and completed my Masters degree, I still had so much to learn about purpose, humility, and love. After a marriage that ended due to unforeseen events, I was forced to reevaluate my life. I quickly realized that even though I had grown up in the church, I still missed the mark on what it meant to be a Christian, I was so wrapped up in my own life, that I didn’t fulfill any of the assignments God had called me to.
After dealing with a divorce, I had to begin the process of healing from rejection and insecurities. I wasn’t sure if I could handle being a working, single mother, and was too proud to admit that I needed help. So, I often suffered in silence and worried myself to sleep. It wasn’t until I fully committed my life to ministry, that I found peace and fulfillment. I knew I didn’t want to be the traditional minister that preached on the pulpit every Sunday. I wanted to engage young people in a way that encouraged them to pursue their purpose while they were still young.
In order to reach young people, I had to be creative in my outreach and go where they were. So, working at a University, starting a blog, and speaking at public events, became the way I reached them. After challenging myself to think outside the box, I realized there was still more to be done.
Today, I am in the process of launching a counseling program in the Englewood Community.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Jackie The Educator story. Tell us more about the business.
Jackie the Educator is a teacher. My main priorities with my platform is to:
1. Share the good news of Jesus Christ with as many people as I can.
2.Think of innovative ways to engage the world and be a fisher of men.
3. Develop future leaders that understand the basic assignment we all are given to fulfill our purpose.
Most people would call what I do a mentorship program, but I wouldnt simplify it to that. Although I do mentor a lot of individuals, my assignment is moreso geared towards modeling positive behavior. I do this through every various areas of my life, by showing youth alternatives to current culture role-models.
As a minister, I dont just offer prayer but I also oversee a counseling program in the church that has outreach to the community, by utilizing volunteer counselors to provide needed services.
As a public speaker, I travel to various organizations, schools, and churches to speak with youth about living purpose driven lives.
As a radio personality, I use my platform to share innovative strategies and encourage thought provoking conversation.
And as a college professor, I use every lesson to teach students the importance of education and living a life of purpose.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I wouldn’t call it luck, I would just say its favor. So many doors have been opened because of the favor on my life. I cant take any credit for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jackietheeducator.com
- Email: jackietheeducator@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackietheeducator/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackietheeducator/
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