Last week TV personality, Terrence J moved in to The Shade Room with TSR’s, Debra Oh!
The E! News host sat with us to talk about his experiences growing up, the importance of education, and of course his recent visit to The White House for the Beating The Odds Summit along side Michelle Obama and Wale.
According to the White House’s website, “First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed more than 130 college-bound students from across the country to participate in the 2015 “Beating the Odds” Summit. The event focused on sharing tools and strategies to help more students successfully transition to college and complete the next level of their education.”
He described the First Lady as being very “kind” and “humble” as he talked about his experience being the keynote moderator for her Reach Higher Initiative. He added, “I was extremely humbled to be able to be a part of something that is so positive and that is pushing young kids to seek higher education.”
Check out some of the highlights from his interview:
On Being On Panel With Wale:
“I honestly I am extremely proud of him. To almost grow up with similar backgrounds and to see him using his platform to empower kids is amazing.”
On The Importance Of Having A Mentor:
I think that it is extremely important to have a mentor. You know, I’m blessed to be able to call people like Kevin Hart, Will Smith, and Steve Harvey my mentors and they all have really helped me on my journey. It is very important to seek wisdom from people who have been down the same path before you.”
On Donating $100,000 Back To His Alma Mater, North Carolina A&T :
“I was very humbled to be able to be in a place where I can give back but I don’t think that’s enough. I want to be in a place where I can continuosly donate more and more. I want to donate as much as possible and inspire other people to do the same.”
On The Importance Of Educating Our Youth:
It’s more important now than ever to have our youth educating themselves. Especially with the racial climate in America right now, it’s important that our youth be educated on their rights as well. This is why I am a part of programs like My Brother’s Keeper because it is helping kids to reach their maximum potential in ways that may not have been available to them before. Also I think what you guys at The Shade Room are doing is amazing because you are also using your platform to bring awareness to education and I think that’s big.”
On The Importance Of Having HBCUs:
I think all schools are important but HBCUs of course are extremely important. North Carolina A&T took a chance on me when other schools didn’t, you know. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for North Carolina.
Throughout his career, Terrence J has shown himself to being the result of what it looks like to beat the odds. From his humble beginnings starting from 106&Park, to landing big screen roles like “Think Like A Man”, and now being co host on E! News as well as being one of the faces for the White House’s youth empowerment program, My Brother’s Keeper, Mr. Terrence J has always found a way to reinvent himself. We can’t wait to see what greater successes his future has in store for him.
Let’s chat below!
TSR STAFF: Debra Oh!! @The_Ebony_Issue
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