Journalist, entertainer Terrence J tells students to get rid of their fear
Photo by Tevin Stinson
Terrence ‘J’ Jenkins discusses his rise to fame during Wake Forest’s Journeys to Success Speaker Series on Thursday, Feb. 11.
BY TEVIN STINSON
THE CHRONICLE
Three-time Emmy nominee Terrence ‘J’ Jenkins told a large group of students on the campus of Wake Forest last week that his journey to a successful career in journalism and entertainment began the day he stopped fearing being told no.
The visit was part of the Journey to Success Speaker Series which is designed to give students a chance to have an open discussion with some of the most well-known people in the entertainment business.
“Once I stopped caring about being told no, nothing held be back from following my dreams,” he said. “You can’t be afraid to be told no; once you get that fear out of your mind nothing will hold you back from being successful.”
Jenkins was the host of BET’s 106 & Park, the longest-running live music countdown show in history for seven years before he went on to co-host E! News. In addition to serving as a television host, Jenkins has also established himself as a film actor, philanthropist and author.
He is currently producing a new film entitled “The Perfect Match,” which he is also staring in opposite star actress Paula Patton. During the hour-long open conversation with well over 100 students, Jenkins not only discussed his rise to fame, but he also took time to encourage the students to find the thing they are most passionate about and work on perfecting it every day.
“Everyone in this room has something they are passionate about,” he continued. “It doesn’t matter what it is – music, writing, or acting – you have to perfect your craft.”
The graduate of North Carolina A&T University said he fell in love with journalism and entertainment at the early age of 15 when he started working at a radio station in his hometown of Rocky Mount. Jenkins said once he got to college he surrounded himself with people who shared similar goals and dreams as he did. He encouraged the students to do the same.
He mentioned if it wasn’t for the support of his friends and family, he wouldn’t be in the position he is in today.
“You have to have a good supporting cast if you want to be successful in life,” said Jenkins. “Surrounding yourself with positive people can make a huge difference.”
Although the life of an Emmy-nominated actor can be exciting, Jenkins said what he enjoys most is speaking with students at colleges and universities across the country. He said, “The students are a true inspiration.”
“I always make time to speak to the younger generation because they are the future,” he said. “If I can inspire someone to follow their dreams, I think my time on this earth was well spent.”
