Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica McEachern.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Jessica McEachern is an Artist, Author, and Social Worker: I am from Lumberton, North Carolina. I reside in Charlotte, North Carolina. I obtained my Bachelor’s in Social Work, Master of Social Work, and Master of Arts in Teaching, all from East Carolina University. I have always been passionate about human services, singing, and writing. I wanted to be a Judge, Social Worker, Songstress, and Author. I have worked hard to pursue everything I desire to be. Obtaining these goals has been challenging, but diligence and perseverance go a long way. Once I make up my mind that I want to accomplish something, I take action to obtain those goals.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road could have been smoother. I am a planner, and things must make sense to me. I like for things to occur in sequential order. Life does not happen that way. I would graduate college with an undergraduate degree in 2006. Complete my Masters’s degree in 2008, begin my dream career making a particular salary by 2009, get married by 2012, open my businesses, publish my children’s books, record multiple songs, have children by 2016, and live happily ever after. Life chose otherwise. I have worked since the age of fifteen; I worked while I attended college, undergraduate and graduate years.
Balancing school and employment take work. Experiencing health challenges along the way is an additional challenge; paying expenses out of pocket without insurance coverage is stressful. Seeing providers not vested in your health because you don’t make enough money or have insurance coverage increases the stress. Not only those challenges but adversities experienced while pursuing graduate degrees were also difficult. I wouldn’t change my experiences, no matter how hurtful or difficult they were to overcome, because they made me who I am. Without those experiences, I wouldn’t have a story to tell or be able to help others through similar experiences. I would make better choices regarding dating and money. I could have managed money differently so I would be further along than I am regarding obtaining my goals. I would have more children’s books published had I done some things differently financially in college and upon graduation. The businesses I desire would be thriving had I made better financial decisions.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an author, recording artist, and social worker. I have four songs out on music streaming platforms. The songs are, “Be with me”, “Naughty”, “Tonight”, and “Scared to love”. “When I Grow Up” is the first children’s book I released. The book utilizes the alphabet to educate about careers. I wanted to highlight careers so children know there are choices and they can be whatever they desire. The book captures an African American female on the cover with representation in mind. I wanted a “little black girl” on the book’s cover and as the main character so African American children can see themselves on the book’s cover and as the main character. The book is inclusive as there is representation throughout the illustrations within the story. I want all children to learn about options. However, I did want a book that shows children of color that they can aspire to be careers other than rappers, musicians, reality tv personalities, athletes, models, etc. There are so many careers to explore. I have additional children’s books that teach about other professions and many children’s books to release. I love writing. I wrote poems, songs, plays, and short stories when I was younger. Unfortunately, I no longer have any of the writings from my youth. I am always writing books or songs. Writing is an outlet for me. The books that I write are educational in some way. There’s an underlying message in my books. Music is creative expression. I am always thinking; I am continually growing and evolving. I am an author and songwriter, but Social Work is my calling and career. I have worked in Social Work and human services since January 2005.
I am an advocate and change agent; I am a social worker at heart in every aspect of my life. When some people hear the term “Social Worker,” they often think Department of Social Services or Child Protective Services as if that is the only role of a Social Worker. Social work is a helping profession that promotes social change and empowerment of people and communities. Social Work enhances well-being and helps meet all people’s fundamental and complex needs, particularly those vulnerable, oppressed, and impoverished. Social Workers assist individuals in functioning optimally within their environments. Social Workers help individuals maximize the opportunity for change in themselves and their situations. Social Workers aim to enhance overall well-being and meet the needs of individuals and communities. Social Workers address the psychological and social well-being of individuals. Social Workers work with individuals, groups, communities, and systems. Social Workers advocate for the infirm, counsel the distressed, empower victims, and challenge discrimination. Social Workers advocate for positive change in policies and practices. Social Workers understand the role of diverse cultures in shaping state, federal, and global matters. Social Workers recognize the influence of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, language, and other aspects of culture on development and personality. Social Workers seek solutions to barriers that inhibit effective family and community involvement.
Perspective is everything. I believe that mindset is everything. What we think, speak, and believe, drives our lives. I am a firm believer in one positive relationship can impact someone’s life for the better. I believe that if people are given the skills, tools, and resources they need, they can thrive and be successful. I don’t desire to be like anyone else. I want to remain my authentic self in all that I do. We all make mistakes. We are all flawed. No one is perfect; I strive to be a good person. I am proud to be an author, songwriter, and social worker. I am pleased to be a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree and two Master’s degrees; the endeavors I manifested during childhood and young adulthood are coming to fruition. Though I wanted them sooner, timing matters. The timing is perfect, which life knew the timing would be.
What’s next?
I plan to release additional children’s books, continue my career as a Social Worker, and write and record more songs. I look forward to traveling more, attending sporting events, attending comedy shows, enjoying time with my family and friends, getting married, and having my children. I will continue along this path destined for me as an author, songwriter, and social worker.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjessicamceachern/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJessicaMcEachern/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessmmceachern
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-304297090
