In April of 2010, Jamar Chaney was 1 out of hundreds of young men anxiously awaiting the NFL Draft. Nervous, excited, anxious...all of these words describe Jamar's feelings until he heard the words of relief from Roger Goodell; "Jamar Chaney, Philadelphia Eagles!" It seemed as if the world stopped for a moment; all eyes were on Jamar. HE, along with 254 other young men would be playing in the National Football League. Out of the 327 men that competed in the NFL Combine, JAMAR CHANEY was drafted to the Philadelphia Eagles! Jamar still remembers the day as if it were yesterday. Only now, he is approaching his third year in the NFL.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jamar during our tenure at Mississippi State University. I have always found him to be a very respectable young man, and most importantly a man of God. It is no doubt in my mind that these characteristics along with the support of Jamar's family, helped get him to where he is today. As the 2012 draft drew close, I began to think of Jamar. I wondered what advice he would give these young men since he is now on the "other side". So, I called him!...and to my surprise, he was eager to do an interview! I am so thankful for this opportunity to interview my brother in Christ, my friend, my colleague...Mr. Jamar Chaney.
NRH: How does it feel to be on the "other side"?
JAMAR: It feels great! Being on the "other side" means I'm now in the NFL. I am going on my 3rd year. Time really flies, but it's a blessing because on average, an NFL player only lasts 2 seasons.
NRH: What advice would you give young men anxiously waiting to hear Roger Goodell call their name? This has to be a life changing moment, right?
JAMAR: Absolutely! My Alma Mater, Mississippi State University, has 4 guys that are projected to get drafted; Fletcher Cox, Charles Mitchell, Vick Ballard, and Quentin Saulsberry. I am always talking and giving advice to these young men. I encourage them to make the most of this experience because it only happens once.
NRH: How would you describe your 1st year in the NFL? Surely it's a lot of pressure along with the responsibility of millions of dollars; what advice would you give on handling that?
JAMAR: My 1st year in the NFL was more than I could ever imagine. The Philadelphia Eagles have the most passionate fans in the league. Near the end of the season, I was a starting player. I had the opportunity to help my team make the playoffs; that was an awesome feeling. I would tell the guys to enjoy the experience no matter the outcome, and no matter the order in which you get drafted. You constantly have to prove yourself. Being drafted is like the start of a track meet. No matter if your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, it is up to you to decide who ultimately wins the race. As far as money...it's not guaranteed. Most players leave the game in debt, so I would encourage all young men to be smart with their earnings.
NRH: What has been your biggest challenge playing for the Philadelphia Eagles? How did you overcome that challenge?
JAMAR: Guys drafted in the 7th round usually do not make the team; I did. You have to go in and prove to the coaching staff, as well as your teammates, that you are capable to play at your desired position. I was a 7th round pick. However, I did things no other linebacker has done (for the Eagles) in a few years. This includes starting 19 games straight with 3+ interceptions within a year span.
NRH: What motivates you?
JAMAR: I try not to play for motivation, but rather by inspiration. Inspiration to do my best not only on the football field, but in life and in my spiritual walk with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...inspiration to be a good boyfriend, and soon to be husband. I think if you look at things from a different angle, everything else will take care of itself.
NRH: What is your life motto?
JAMAR: You're either getting better or you're getting worse (everyday); there is no staying the same.
NRH: What is the best advice someone has given you?
JAMAR: The best advice I have been given was to get to know Jesus. My life has not been the same since.
NRH: What other interests do you have outside of football? Any hidden talents you would like to share with us? Haha
JAMAR: Other interests..hmmmm..I just love spending time with my lady, my family, and my homies.
NRH: Is there anything else you would like to share?
JAMAR: I encourage everyone reading to keep God and His Word 1st and everything else will take care of itself. Be Blessed.
I think it's safe to say that Jamar is one of a kind. Congrats to him and his soon to be wife, Shamira Thompson. I know he will go far in life as long as he continues to keep God first. I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors and I'm so thankful that I call this man my friend.
Until next time,
XOXO
t.RAE :)
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Know thyself...belive in God...dare to dream!
As stated in my previous post, my goal is to highlight young adults chasing their dreams and utilizing their talents. Today's post is dedicated to my future (6 months to be exact) brother-in-law, Creston Burse.
Creston is currently employed by the State of MS as an IT Project Manager. In his spare time (which is probably zero considering he's planning a wedding) Creston makes good use of his creative skill set.
With graduation quickly approaching, I feel somewhat obligated to let you in on a small secret. Mr. Burse customizes graduation invitations, thank you cards, and much more. See the interview below for a glance into the life of C. Burse!
NRH: What motivates you?
CBURSE: Failure motivates me. I truly believe I possess the ability to do anything I want in life. Not utilizing that ability is my greatest fear.
NRH: What inspired you to do your own consulting work?
CBURSE: Freedom. I've been working since I was 15. I've been blessed with jobs since graduating college. My ultimate goal is to be my own boss. I have always been told that you can't make the money you want, working for someone else. Consulting work gives you the freedom to control your own destiny. It takes a lot of hard work, and lots of discipline.
NRH: What advice would you give someone looking to branch out and start their own business?
CBURSE: Well, technically I don't have my own business, but it is in the works. I can only give the advice that I give myself...just do it! Time is something we can't get back. Seize the moment and make it count.
NRH: What sets your work apart? Why should someone purchase business cards/invites/etc. from you vs an online site such as Vistaprint?
CBURSE: Creativity. I am an artist at heart. I see things differently. I have the ability to take your ideas, combine them with my particular skill-sets and produce a product that is unique, original, and most importantly personal.
NRH: Could you describe your scope of work?
CBURSE: Right now, I am willing to do it all. I've done invitations, flyers, logos, websites, project management, business cards, business brochures, you name it. I enjoy new challenges, so I welcome all potential jobs. I have an IT background as well, so my consulting work has picked up and allowed me to branch out into other areas. It includes PC maintenance, network infrastructure, computer infrastructure, and diagnostics to name a few.
NRH: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 yrs?
CBURSE: First, happily married. Secondly, in 5-10 I should have several businesses in motion, as well as a more established and developed IT consulting firm.
NRH: Is there anything else you would like to share?
CBURSE: Yeap! Count your blessings and dream big! #HailState #teamLakers #teamPackers
NRH: Last thing, if you could sum up your life, thus far, in one quote, what would that be?
CBURSE: Know thyself, believe in God, dare to dream...and get at me @ www.cburse.com
As you all can see, Creston is making MAJOR moves and he definitely has a bright future ahead. I can honestly say he does great work because I've used his services on several occasions. I wouldn't recommend someone I didn't believe in! So, if you need ANY of Creston's services, I suggest you contact him immediately before he blows up and starts doing consulting work for President Obama!
Please visit www.cburse.com for any inquiries!
As always...until next time...
Creston is currently employed by the State of MS as an IT Project Manager. In his spare time (which is probably zero considering he's planning a wedding) Creston makes good use of his creative skill set.
"Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way"
NRH: What motivates you?
CBURSE: Failure motivates me. I truly believe I possess the ability to do anything I want in life. Not utilizing that ability is my greatest fear.
NRH: What inspired you to do your own consulting work?
CBURSE: Freedom. I've been working since I was 15. I've been blessed with jobs since graduating college. My ultimate goal is to be my own boss. I have always been told that you can't make the money you want, working for someone else. Consulting work gives you the freedom to control your own destiny. It takes a lot of hard work, and lots of discipline.
NRH: What advice would you give someone looking to branch out and start their own business?
CBURSE: Well, technically I don't have my own business, but it is in the works. I can only give the advice that I give myself...just do it! Time is something we can't get back. Seize the moment and make it count.
NRH: What sets your work apart? Why should someone purchase business cards/invites/etc. from you vs an online site such as Vistaprint?
CBURSE: Creativity. I am an artist at heart. I see things differently. I have the ability to take your ideas, combine them with my particular skill-sets and produce a product that is unique, original, and most importantly personal.
NRH: Could you describe your scope of work?
CBURSE: Right now, I am willing to do it all. I've done invitations, flyers, logos, websites, project management, business cards, business brochures, you name it. I enjoy new challenges, so I welcome all potential jobs. I have an IT background as well, so my consulting work has picked up and allowed me to branch out into other areas. It includes PC maintenance, network infrastructure, computer infrastructure, and diagnostics to name a few.
NRH: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 yrs?
CBURSE: First, happily married. Secondly, in 5-10 I should have several businesses in motion, as well as a more established and developed IT consulting firm.
NRH: Is there anything else you would like to share?
CBURSE: Yeap! Count your blessings and dream big! #HailState #teamLakers #teamPackers
NRH: Last thing, if you could sum up your life, thus far, in one quote, what would that be?
CBURSE: Know thyself, believe in God, dare to dream...and get at me @ www.cburse.com
As you all can see, Creston is making MAJOR moves and he definitely has a bright future ahead. I can honestly say he does great work because I've used his services on several occasions. I wouldn't recommend someone I didn't believe in! So, if you need ANY of Creston's services, I suggest you contact him immediately before he blows up and starts doing consulting work for President Obama!
Please visit www.cburse.com for any inquiries!
As always...until next time...
XOXO
t.RAE :)
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Live...Love...BAKE!
As I look over my previous posts, I realize that some are funny, some are insightful, and some make no sense at all...but that's ok because I warned you! However, my next few posts should be very intriguing. I love to support and highlight talent. I am a firm believer in this quote:
xoxo T
“In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.”
But not only for this reason. Sometimes we never know of another's talents unless they are showcased. For this reason, I chose to highlight Kyrstyn Newton. Krystyn and I attended Mississippi State University together. In getting to know Krystyn, I quickly learned that she had a passion for baking. This led to her business, Kay's Kakes. I had the pleasure of speaking with her last week! I'm thrilled that she has made her dream a reality! Check out my interview below!
NRH: What motives you?
KAY: My motivation comes from the passion I have for baking. I love what I do and that loves comes out in my baking.
NRH: What inspired you to venture out and start your own business?
KAY: Every since I can remember it has always been a dream of mine to start my own bakery. Upon graduating from Mississippi State University, I saw an opportunity to go to culinary school. I knew this was the first step to owning my bakery so I jumped at the chance to go and here I am today!
NRH: Do you bake for all occasions? Weddings? Birthdays? Etc.
KAY: Yes, I do bake for all occasions. Right now I am starting small projects with sheet cakes, cookies, and pies. During the summer I will make more elaborate cakes using fondant and flowers and doing more detailed work.
NRH: (That sounds delicious! I'm sure I'll be placing an order soon!) What advice would you give someone young looking to start their own business with limited funds/resources?
KAY: My advice is make sure you are not going into a business just because it sounds good...that's a BIG mistake. Have the necessary training and resources you will need to make your business succeed. Just remember, a good plan starts with a dream!
NRH: What is your unique selling proposition? What sets Kay's Kakes apart from any other bakery? Why should I order from YOU?
KAY: What sets me apart is the longevity of freshness in my products. I feel as though other stores and/or bakeries do not have a long shelf life; the cake gets dry too quick. With my products, I make sure that moisture in the cakes stay longer so you will not have to discard it a few days later.
NRH: Is there anything else you would like to add that I did not cover?
KAY: I would like to thank all of my supporters that have been with me through this journey. I would also like to thank you for giving me an opportunity to speak on my craft and business!
NRH: And lastly, if you could sum up your life (thus far) with a quote, what would it be?
KAY: live, love, & BAKE!
With graduation quickly approaching, I know some of you will be placing CAKE orders! I encourage you to support young business owners; give Kay's Kakes a try! I can assure you, you will not be disappointed. Again, it was a pleasure catching up with Kyrstyn. I am so thankful for the opportunity to showcase her talents and her thriving business! For inquiries, or to place an order, please see the contact information below!
KAY: My motivation comes from the passion I have for baking. I love what I do and that loves comes out in my baking.
NRH: What inspired you to venture out and start your own business?
KAY: Every since I can remember it has always been a dream of mine to start my own bakery. Upon graduating from Mississippi State University, I saw an opportunity to go to culinary school. I knew this was the first step to owning my bakery so I jumped at the chance to go and here I am today!
NRH: Do you bake for all occasions? Weddings? Birthdays? Etc.
KAY: Yes, I do bake for all occasions. Right now I am starting small projects with sheet cakes, cookies, and pies. During the summer I will make more elaborate cakes using fondant and flowers and doing more detailed work.
NRH: (That sounds delicious! I'm sure I'll be placing an order soon!) What advice would you give someone young looking to start their own business with limited funds/resources?
KAY: My advice is make sure you are not going into a business just because it sounds good...that's a BIG mistake. Have the necessary training and resources you will need to make your business succeed. Just remember, a good plan starts with a dream!
NRH: What is your unique selling proposition? What sets Kay's Kakes apart from any other bakery? Why should I order from YOU?
KAY: What sets me apart is the longevity of freshness in my products. I feel as though other stores and/or bakeries do not have a long shelf life; the cake gets dry too quick. With my products, I make sure that moisture in the cakes stay longer so you will not have to discard it a few days later.
NRH: Is there anything else you would like to add that I did not cover?
KAY: I would like to thank all of my supporters that have been with me through this journey. I would also like to thank you for giving me an opportunity to speak on my craft and business!
NRH: And lastly, if you could sum up your life (thus far) with a quote, what would it be?
KAY: live, love, & BAKE!
With graduation quickly approaching, I know some of you will be placing CAKE orders! I encourage you to support young business owners; give Kay's Kakes a try! I can assure you, you will not be disappointed. Again, it was a pleasure catching up with Kyrstyn. I am so thankful for the opportunity to showcase her talents and her thriving business! For inquiries, or to place an order, please see the contact information below!
xoxo T
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