Meet Nadine Joseph | Educator, Author, and Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nadine Joseph and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nadine, what role has risk played in your life or career?
If you want to live a fulfilled life, at some point, you’ll have to take risks. Risks are essential to growth and truly bring out a different passion and grind/hustle. I remember when I first wrote my children’s book (Imani’s Crown), I Iet it sit in the “notes” in my phone for months. I sent it to my mentor and he told me I HAD to do something with it because a little girl needed it somewhere in the world. I played with the idea for a few more weeks, maybe even months, before I put it on paper. I eventually typed up my manuscript and make the decision I was going to publish my first children’s book. The risk was scary and truly paralyzing at first, but it is easily the greatest and best risk I’ve ever taken. Now, I’m so open and more confident to new things, ideas, meeting new people, speaking up, branching out towards other career goals, and the list goes on. I guess taking risks propels and encourages you to live without bounds in a sense.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am currently a high school educator in Florida. I have taught reading for about 6 years now. I have a dynamic group of students, who have taught me just as much as I have taught them. I’ve always known I wanted to be an educator since I was in grade school. Teachers played a huge role in my life growing up. Both of my parents migrated from Haiti to afford my siblings and I a better life, so many entities regarding school were unknown to them. They valued education greatly but didn’t know how to advocate for me due to language barriers and lack of resources. I was lucky enough to have had some amazing educators in my life that filled in where they couldn’t. I knew I wanted to do the same for kids too. I knew I wanted to help kids be the best them. So, I am doing just that. It is not always easy but it is definitely rewarding.

The road to the classroom was not straight and smooth. It had several bumps and gave me several bruises too. For my undergraduate degree, I attended the GREAT Bethune-Cookman University where I majored in Education. I was a pretty great student and held great academic standings all throughout college. However, one of the three teaching certification exams gave me a run for my money…literally. I spent almost 6-8 months studying to pass one specific exam to earn my degree on time. I wanted to give up so many times and extend my stay but I didn’t. I buckled down and passed all of my certifications the day before graduation applications were due. It was at that moment I knew I was meant to impact the lives of children. God and I didn’t give up on me. College taught me the essence and beauty of working hard.

I didn’t know it then but all of those moments would assist me now as an author. Those experiences of hard work, being down, lack of confidence, and then just going for it. My children’s book is definitely one of my favorite accomplishments and one I am proud of. Fortunately, as an author my reach is not conditioned to just my classroom. A child anywhere in the world can read my book and be inspired. My reach is limitless. That gets me excited. That motivates me to continue writing. Writing meaningful stories with characters that look like myself and underrepresented groups.

I’d ultimately want a child or adult to know THEY CAN. Life will throw curve-balls, and it won’t always be pretty but you still CAN. This life isn’t forever. You should go for it. I mean, why not? You’ve got one life to live, leave it all here.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmm… if I had a friend coming to visit my city, I would show them a good time for sure. We would definitely start the day with brunch at Stubborn Mule. Stubborn Mule is located in Downtown Orlando and has a great range of food options (Pssst.. they also have bottomless mimosas on Sundays). After brunch, we would go to Lake Eola Park and walk the calories from brunch away. There’s typically a farmer’s market on Sundays. So we’d walk around and browse the handcrafted items they have to offer, fresh organic fruits, and mini shows. We’d then go and get a nice massage at my favorite spa in Orlando, Allora Day Spa Thornton Park. I mean who doesn’t like some TLC? After our massages, we would go get sweet treats from one of my favorite restaurants, Market on South/Valhalla Bakery. This bakery has the BEST cookies, brownies, and doughnuts ever (and they’re dairy free). After that, we would head to Universal Citywalk. CityWalk is an attraction at Universal Orlando that includes a variety of restaurants, shops, and family shows. It’s definitely a fun vibe especially if you’re with a good crowd/friend. If there were a movie out that we both wanted to see, we could even end the night off there.

The next day, I would take my home girl to Daytona Beach for a day of fun in the sun. Daytona Beach isn’t the finest beach in Florida but it is the nearest to Orlando and where I attended college (so I’m well-versed with the area). We’d probably go early enough to catch the sunrise. Of course, we would grab some food to enjoy while we are on the beach, so definitely Kale Cafe and Bethune Grill. Bethune Grill has great wings. After a few hours of toasting at the beach, we’d head back to Orlando and get some rest (Florida sun is different lol). After naps, we’d get dolled up and grab some dinner at Ethos Kitchen. After dinner, we’d change into walking shoes and go down the International Drive strip. There are great activities to get into while out there.

Because we’d probably be tired from the week’s adventure, mid week a simple day in enjoying some shows and movies would suffice. Definitely would order some food from my favorite Colombian restaurant, SuperRico (located downtown).

The next day we’d put some sunscreen on and head to King’s Landing. King’s Landing offers a variety of activities. They offer self-guided rentals, adventure tours, and even night time fun. My favorite activity to partake in is guided canoeing tours. Not only are they fun but they are peaceful too. King’s Landing is easily a great way to enjoy Florida without spending too much money. After getting an upper body workout from the canoeing, I’d head over to Island Kitchen & Grill for some Caribbean food. I mean you can’t go wrong with some warm Roti and curry!

The last and final day we’d have to spend a whole day at Universal Studios Florida. Universal Studios is one of the main attractions/theme parks in Orlando, aside from Disneyworld. Universal has three parks—-Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay water theme park. We’d, above anything else, have to visit JK Rowling’s Diagon Valley located in Universal and sip on some delicious Butter Beer (it’s not alcoholic, I promise). There’s literally so much to enjoy while at Universal. There are live shows, great food, exciting rides, and the infamous fireworks show before the closing of the park (it’s truly amazing).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mentor and former teacher, Mr. Akins, deserves a huge shout out. It is not often you meet people who believe in you and truly want to see you be great. Mr. Akins, who is an author as well, played a huge role in my children’s book and I am forever thankful for his guidance and support. I’d also love to shout out Martine Shannon, who illustrated my book and just truly inspired me. Martine is not only an illustrator, she’s a young entrepreneur, author, wife, and mom of three. She inspired me more than she knows to go hard. She brought my story to life and I’ll never not express my gratitude.

Website: nadinejoseph.com

Instagram: @imaniscrownbook