We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jared Mcphoy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jared thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have ever worked on would be my debut memoir, “By Grace Through Faith: A Journey of Self Discovery.” My reason for this is because if you would have asked me this question three years ago, I would have said, “no” it did not feel like something that was possible for me since I was very insecure about my writing abilities. I remembered going to the University of Guyana where I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Education English (Secondary), I was expected to write a lot of essays for the English courses I was pursuing. Whenever I wrote an essay my grade varied from A-C, one time I even scored a D on an essay which really depressed me. So, writing this book, knowing that I placed fear aside and did the work. In my book I told my truth and for that I’m grateful. I was able to produce a body of work that I am proud of. This book feels like vindication for me, something that I will forever hold dear to my heart, and I hope that it inspires anyone that reads it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jared Nicholas Demarco McPhoy and I am twenty-four years old teacher of English Attached to the Annandale Secondary school. I have been an Educator for over Five years, with a bachelor’s degree in Education- English (Secondary), from the University of Guyana. I credit my teaching experience to my ability to connect with people of different races and creed, I have served in my home church from a tender age of 14, functioned in several capacities such as, Administrative Pastor, Sunday school teacher, Youth Ministry and Worship Director. It is my experience in ministry that has guided me through my relationship with God and himself. I believe that my purpose is to Impact and Inspire the lives of those I encounter in my life’s journey. This has led me to write my first book entitled “By Grace Through Faith: A Journey of Self- Discovery.”

What sets me apart from others is that I am consistent, determined, resilient and passionate. These are just some of the qualities I possess that have taken me a very far way in life. When I believe in a vision, I work very hard with the help of God to see it come to life. I also know how to serve others well in making their vision come to life.

I am Most proud of the fact that I have taken the hand dealt to me and done something great with it so far, I am very proud of the quality of life I have now and look forward to seeing that evolve as time goes by.

As it relates to writing, this is a calling I am now fully walking in. It brings me so much joy and it’s another way of release for me. I hope that my writing gives people the permission to write their own story.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The early parts of my childhood were very rough for different reasons. I grew up in a single parent household where my mom had to take care of herself and four children which wasn’t an easy task. I grew up seeing her under a lot of pressure and I was determined through my Education to live a better life. I am super grateful that from a very young age my mother impressed the value of Education on me, I took a liking to it and on the government books I used to collect from school said, “Education is the key to success,” Which I have proven to be true. If I am to add to that statement, I would say it is the application of education that leads to success. Taking that theoretical knowledge and applying it in practical ways.

Through Education I was able to get started in a career which offered me a salary every month and with that I was able to contribute to my home and address my personal needs with it. Over time my life situation changed with hard work and determination. My resilience is shown in the fact that I did not sit down and allow my current situation at the time to define me nor my future, I got up and did the work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

What drives my creative journey is truly my life experiences. I used to feel silenced in some areas of my life, I have never been like the other boys in my school or community I was different. Being different isn’t always celebrated but instead it is mainly shunned upon and that’s how I felt. For me, my creative journey has given me a voice to speak my truth whether people agree with it or not. My life is not up for debate, I feel like God has chosen me as a vessel to be an example onto others to show up bravely and authentically in their life.

It is the pursuit of honesty; I pray that many people feel liberated to share their journey using whatever medium is available to them whether it be through song, dance, writing, hosting small group sessions.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forever_bless98/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaredmcphoy
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@foreverbless98?_t=8WoHYvHrkX8&_r=1

Image Credits
Zion Photography GY