Today we’d like to introduce you to Juanda Bryant.
Juanda R. Bryant is a certified educator with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Juanda has her certification in Early Childhood through 6th Grade, Gifted and Talented, and English Second Language (ESL). She is a recipient of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce 2018 “40 Under 40,” Sam Houston Elementary 2017 “Teacher of the Year,” and Common Cents Credit Union 2016 “Outstanding Educator Award.” Juanda is a decorated military veteran who served 12 years in the United States Army as a Transportation Coordinator (88N). She served in two campaigns: Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. During her service in the Army, she served as a Family Readiness Group Liaison. As a liaison, she discovered there was a need to engage and educating children in matters of deployment of family members. Her book “The Mini-Adventures of Danny and the Deployer” is a book that will provide children an identifiable character they can relate to growing up in a military family. She continues the adventure in her second book, “Operation Care Package” as Danny and the Deployer and his friends put together a “classified” care package.
Juanda is also a motivational speaker as she teaches her principles of “Be, Know, and Do.” “Believe in yourself… KNOW your worth… DO your purpose. Juanda has also been featured in Military Kids Life Magazine, The League of Roses Magazine and has a monthly segment called “Sixty Seconds of Serenity” on the Army Wife Network (AWN) Podcast.
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 journey to becoming an author has not been a smooth road. I had to learn the business as well as be my authentic self through the writing process. People always ask what is best: self-publish or having a publisher. My response is always to do what is best for you. I am still learning the process as I go. I choose a path that is right for me. I know that people may see a lot of my accomplishments, but it came with much hard work, tireless nights, hearing the word no multiple times, and facing hard times. I must remind myself that nothing in life comes easy and anything worth having you must work for it.
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?
Currently, I am a Professional School Counselor at a middle school in Beaumont, Texas. I spend most of my time connecting with other leaders within the community, developing and implementing services for our children, which will one day be our future leaders. As a counselor, I want my scholars to always see me as their advocate and their support system. I will always provide them service with a smile. I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I am so grateful for all the love and support concerning me being a children’s book author.
My books are now on Walmart.com and Target.com to find out my book was online in major stores is such a blessing. Another blessing is when the Owner and Commander of the Army Wife Network ask me to do a monthly segment to empower military spouses. Although I am not actively serving in the military anymore, I still desire to serve families and the podcast allows me to serve by depositing positivity in family members that serve alongside the service member. My most proud accomplishment is the day I found out my book would be on Renaissance Learning as an Accelerated Reader (AR) Book Quiz. Many schools across the nation promote reading through Renaissance Learning and now my first book is part of the movement to get children reading.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
My most important lesson through my journey is to be authentic. Learning to serve your purpose and staying true to yourself is the most important lesson anyone can learn.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JuandaBryant.com
- Instagram: @juandabryant
- Facebook: @JuandaBryant
- Twitter: @JuandaBryant
Image Credits
@Amanda’s Creations Photography
