We recently had the chance to connect with Jade Graham and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jade, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I think I’m most proud of the knowledge I’m gaining from receiving an education. Especially right now, the power of knowledge is so important. Although I’m a few years away from the degree I want, I’m proud of what I’m building and where I am today because it’s shaping me into the person I want so desperately to become.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jade Graham, and I’m 19 years old. I’m an actor and student based in Los Angeles, California. Some of my goals for the future are to become a high school social worker, start an organization that helps students in the foster system transition into adulthood, and continue to learn about people’s stories from all over the world.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad has undoubtedly shaped how I see myself and about work. I truly believe that who he is has had a significant impact on me as I see myself in him. The love he accepts and gives others, his determination and work ethic, all contribute to how I perceive myself and how I choose to display my work.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
That it’s okay to fail. Failing means you’re trying and growing. Failing means there’s an opportunity to learn. My dad always says that after you fail, you can do one of two things: try again or pivot into a different direction. Nobody wants to fail, but sometimes failing reveals new opportunities, growth, and your personal “why”.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I try to be. Growing up, I saw a lot of public figures be this inspirational, kind person on social media, and then I’d meet or get the opportunity to work with them, and they’d be horrible to work with. I want to be a better example for whoever might be watching me online. I want people to say “hey, she’s actually really nice” instead of “gosh, she’s a nightmare to work with” because, believe it or not, a lot of people we know and love on social media are not who they are in public. Social media platforms display snippets of life from what people want others to see. It’s hard to be 100% authentic when you’re only watching a 60-second day-in-the-life video, but in the future, I’d like to see more authenticity and kindness being shared. Fortunately, many others in my generation have shared similar concerns and experiences, which makes me optimistic that change will eventually occur.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that when I’m gone, people can share that I didn’t give up and that I remained kind even when things got tough. Kindness in society can be hard to come by if we aren’t actively looking for it. Everyone seems to be in competition with one another, so they put others down for simply having the same interests. I think we all need to be kinder. Different interests, perceptions, race, gender, geographic location- who cares! You’re human, I’m human, and at the end of the day, we all share happiness, sadness, anger, and frustration. Let’s lean into each other more instead of focusing on the differences.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Kayla Williams
@theeephotographer_
