Students at the University of Memphis heard from renowned TV host and media personality Terrence J during a special presentation on February 27th where he shared his journey and advice for success in and outside of college life. This event was put on the universitiy's Office of Multicultural Affairs apart of their packed Black History Month event schedule.
Terrence Jenkins, known for his role as a co-host on BET’s “106 & Park” , his work as an actor and author spoke to UofM students about the importance of perseverance, personal branding, and seizing opportunities in the world. His visit was apart of the university’s ongoing efforts to inspire and equip students with the tools needed to succeed in their careers.
While being interviewed by the event’s moderator Ambrose Jones, Terrence J covered numerous topics and genres including the importance of networking, friendships, relationships, financial literacy and more. He also shared his stories from his own career journey, from his early days as a college student with dreams and aspirations of working in TV to becoming a household name on BET.
“It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish.” said Jenkins. He also reflected on two of the biggest mistakes in his life, “We as a minority can not be afraid to understand the concepts of financial literacy,” he told the crowd, urging the students to take risks and be proactive in their careers.
He further mentioned outside factors about the government and how it affects the middle class. He encourage the students in attendance to pursue more information about bitcoin and heavily insinuated how understanding financial literacy helps understand the economy more.
Terrence highlighted how he realized early in his 20's that all success only comes from the work from individuals put in.
“No one was going to help me, nor was something going to happen." said Jenkins. "It’s on you to take the leap and when we work hard that's where the wings are built to fly.”
Born as the result of a young aged pregnancy, Terrence J grew up as an only child and did not have his father in his life nor did he know who he was. His love for movies and acting shaped his interest to become involved with the film industry. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and mass communications from North Carolina A&T State University in 2004.
He is widely known for his acting career, mostly known for his roles in “Think like a man” and “Think like a man too”. In 2021 he won an Oscar for his part as an executive producer on a short film called “Two Distant Strangers”
The night wrapped up with questions from the audience and pictures. The event emphasized the importance of not giving up and emotional intelligence. “Don’t give up, your big break might just be one step away,” he said. “The universe is always telling you yes, it's just the people that are always gonna tell you no.”
