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Q&A
Would you like to ask James a question? E-mail him: james@educatewithvision.com.
What was it that compelled you to do what you did? Reading and writing changed my life. I had trouble reading in Grade 1 and I always hoped and thought no one noticed, but when a teacher named Aggie at Ottawa Montessori School started seeing me for an hour every day, it was like the lights came on for me and a whole new world was opened up to me. Then whenever I had a problem I wrote about it and expressed my feelings positively in ways that helped me and others. Then when I was bullied and the only way I could handle the situation was to bully back, I broke free from that because I wrote the story Superheroes Don’t Have Dads. From that point on I knew I was going to be okay. I had a best friend in reading and writing and a way of sharing my feelings that could really help the world.
What helped you to stay focused on your dream? I really believed that I had a gift from God that I was supposed to share with others. I wasn’t supposed to keep it all to myself. God helped me so I was supposed to help others. Also, kids have it hard these days, there is so much going on and if you don’t have the perfect family you have a lot of emotions, questions and insecurities that you might have to deal with. Every step of the way, I wanted to figure things out. Okay, what’s the best way to solve this problem, what’s the best way to deal with this situation, what’s the best way to move forward, to feel good about myself and make a difference for others. That was the key for me. Then when kids came up to me and said you really helped me, your book helped me, I learned a lot, I realized that this was what life was all about. Helping others, giving yourself to the world. I can’t forget Top 20 Under 20, who really taught me a lot about leadership, business and communication skills. They are an incredible group of people.
Who helped you achieve your dream? My mom and grandma helped me hands down. She has made so many sacrifices, home schooling me when I am on the road speaking with kids, driving me everywhere, making financial sacrifices when people want me to speak but they can’t afford the travel expenses, believing in my talent and especially believing that I was a good person when others questioned that. I would also say God because every time an opportunity came up, I would say God if this is your will it will happen. I trust you God and I walk with Him every day in faith. Top 20 Under 20 and Akela Peoples gave me great opportunities to keep growing as a leader.
How did they help you achieve your dream? My mom helps me by encouraging me, supporting me, treating me like a human being, loving me unconditionally and giving me the strength to follow my dream and God’s purpose for my life. She is also very strict and unmovable. I can’t get away with anything, but she asks questions so that I realize what I’m doing wrong and I want to change myself. That’s the key.
What was the best advice anyone gave you in order to achieve your dream? June Callwood: “James, Promise me that you’ll never give up”. Lincoln Alexander: “It doesn’t matter if people like you, it’s more important that they respect you”. My mom: “Be cautious and always use self control”. Ravi Baichwal: “We all live in the land of possibilities”
What new skills did you need to learn to achieve your dream? Discipline, self sacrifice, humility, social skills were very important because you really need to connect with others to share your message, to communicate how important your message is for the world.
What did you do in order to learn these new skills? I prayed, I read and wrote out Proverbs in the Bible, I talked to lots of adults whom I admired, I forgot myself and I forgot my pride and just focused on other people. I improved on my writing every single day.
Who are your heroes? God, Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, Mother Teresa, My grandmother, my mom
What do you admire your heroes for? Determination, integrity, honesty, courage, perserverance, kindness.
What is your favorite book? The Maestro, The Places You’ll Go, Time for Evron