Today we’d like to introduce you to Janerika Owens.
Janerika, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been blessed to have some very strong influences, positive as well as negative, in my life that have molded me into the respectable young lady, reporter, and college student that I am today. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee there are limited opportunities; So, it amazes me that I have been afforded many different experiences along my career path. I believe I am a leader, an inspiration to others, and also a first-year student pursuing higher education, who is discovering the woman she is every day. At times, I feel as if I need to improve daily with my craft because I am so passionate about what I do. However, I take a step back and remember that I am a young millennial already vigorously pursuing her dream. Growing up, I’ve always had a strong deep voice and I wasn’t confident with it. My parents, Moncha Brewer and Kenny Brewer, encouraged me to embrace my voice and use the gift that I was blessed with. When I became a senior at Ridgeway High School, I started to walk into the purpose that God has given me. I wanted to use my voice and discover the world. I had a passion for speaking and writing. As a senior, I interned at the radio station and television station. I invested so much of my time at Sports 56 writing and researching different sports topics and created stories. I painted this image to start my journey in Atlanta, Georgia because Atlanta has a lot of opportunities and it’s been my dream to move there since I was younger. I got to where I am today by believing in myself, networking, and staying consistent.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Through the trials and tribulations, I managed to walk into my vision. It wasn’t easy getting to where I am today. I always knew I wanted to make a positive impactful name for myself in Atlanta, Georgia. During those obstacles, I didn’t know how I just knew I had to trust in God and keep my faith. I applied to Clark Atlanta University several times and got rejected. I realized that was not the time to give up! No matter how many times you get rejected going the extra mile may get you accepted. I didn’t have the grades nor did I have the GPA, so therefore, I had to prove myself that a standardized test doesn’t make you. Because I stayed persistent, Clark Atlanta gave me a chance. I am now a freshman at Clark Atlanta University holding 4.0 GPA. I turned those trials and tribulations into a testimony.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a freshman in college who is going over and beyond to accomplish her goal as a sports journalist. I started my own brand as a sports reporter by covering as media for the NBA Team, Atlanta Hawks, and NFL Team Atlanta Falcons. I was credentialed by the NBA to cover for LA Playmakers. It was a really great experience being able to get that exposure. I feel like im prepared to go more into the sports field this upcoming season. I managed to stay focus in school while working so hard building my connections in the sports field. I was able to cover and experience the Mcdonald All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic in Las Vegas Nevada and also the 2019 Super Bowl. Not only is Janerika accomplishing things in the sports world, but also entertainment. Janerika has connected with Actresses like Megan Good and also won an expense paid trip to hollywood and met Taraji P Henson. I was able to listen to their stories about their journeys and pave a way for myself. Janerika is so unique because she finds a way to accomplish any goal she has in mind. She is destined for greatness and masters everything.
It’s so inspiring because I am a black female who is entering a male-dominated field accomplishing so much at 18. I am now preparing for the NBA Draft held in NY City, and also, The Miss Tennessee pageant. I am a driven college student at Clark Atlanta University who will continue my college journey at the University of Georgia within the Grady school of journalism program majoring in sports journalism.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Honestly, I am grateful for everything that I’ve gone through because if it wasn’t for the struggle and hard times, I wouldn’t have been shaped into the passionate and driven young lady I am today!
Contact Info:
- Email: iamjanerikaowens@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjanerikaowens/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/?lang=en
Image Credit:
Getty Images
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