Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. EuDarius Jones.
Hi Dr. EuDarius, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in a small town of Middleton, TN. where I graduated in the top 15 in the Middleton High School class of 2010. I excelled in math classes, in high school due to an inspiring teacher by the name of Mrs. Donnita Ginn. She not only challenged me, motivated me, but also inspired me to become a math teacher. I applied and was accepted to THE University of Memphis – where I transcended! The University of Memphis unlocked a new level of confidence inside of me. The UofM showed me that I belong and that the world is my oyster. I made an highly impressionable mark during my time on campus. I was the face of Blue Crew and served on the executive board. I served on the executive board of African American Educators of Tomorrow. I was elected Student Government Association, Vice President. I served as an orientation guide and a Frosh Camp counselor. Being apart of these diverse organizations helped sharpen me to be the leader I am today. Learning to appreciate other’s views and beliefs all while benefiting a great purpose.
Upon graduating, I became a middle school math and science teacher and later transitioned into a 5th grade math teacher. During my 2nd year of teaching, I also began coaching basketball and found the love to coach the game of basketball. In my first year, we won the 5th/6th grade City Wide Youth basketball league championship in 2017 & 2019. This momentum pushed me into coaching middle school basketball. I have served as the head coach for Granville T Woods Academy (Boys), Cordova Elementary School (Co-ed), Woodland Presbyterian Middle School (Girls) and 8 years of coaching on the AAU level. Currently, I am an Instructional Coach at Granville T Woods Academy of Innovation where I also coach middle school basketball. I think I finally have found my niche in education of where I want to be and can now see my impact on the youth that I have been fortunate enough to motivate, teach and inspire. In my position I have been charged with pushing our STEM initiatives and given my background, this role has rekindled a drive inside. STEM is here and ever evolving and our youth will continue to be behind generations if not given the proper skills to compete. This is where I find my joy!
Most recently, I graduated with my doctorate! This is the pinnacle of my career and it wasn’t just for me but for generations to come for students that look like me and have shared similar troublesome journeys. This is special because, I accomplished an achievement that I “thought” I couldn’t back in high school.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This journey has not been a light one traveled. While in school I was bullied, from 4th grade to high school. Experiencing life from both sides of married and single parent home. I believe that going through these experiences, becoming successful in all trials and tribulations, have made this journey so worth following through on. There were times where I didn’t understand why things weren’t going the way I envisioned them to. But I thank God for my patience to stay the course and not give in to defeat. I am glad that I was strong to prevail because I can honestly say to my students that I know what if feels like to fight some of the very battles they deal with and how to see it through.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Coach. Every part of my life involves coaching. I currently am an instructional coach where I help teachers become the best at their craft. I coach basketball and also own a photography business. I’ve loved the game of basketball since I was little. From playing College Basketball on my PS2 and bringing home virtual national championships with Duke to now winning championships with my students, I truly eat, sleep, and breath basketball. I have won 4 girls Back to Back to Back to Back basketball championships in the Major Basketball League, here in Memphis. This league is a combination of the top talented girls in Memphis. We draft them onto to teams, we don’t practice, and we just play. I believe that my success has been a culmination of not only knowledge and love of the game but me and my coaches energy. Energy is contagious!
Currently, I am on a fitness journey, that compliments my “doing the unthinkable.” era.Striving for a health lifestyle and physique, one that I have never experienced. This is my hardest and longest challenge that I have not had success in and I am finally breaking through. I have lost 90 lbs. What I’ve learned in consistency wins, every time. This endeavor has allowed me to love myself more, become more confident, and also inspired others to believe in themselves and start their journey as well.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I talked a lot, I was charismatic, and bold. I brought joy and laughter to anyone I was around and always looking to help out the next person. I played baseball up until 5th grade and played basketball as a hobby.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dr.focus?igsh=MTFoNjNkcWJ3N2E0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eudarius-jones?trk=contact-info
