Author, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, Mentor, Visionary, and Humanitarian, are just a few titles of distinction used to describe Michael Mallery Jr., who is known today as one of the freshest and most respected young-leaders around. While being the CEO of his own company, his collective work and influence in the world clearly exhibits his passion and purpose for inspiring the next wave of young students to greatness. Over the past 7 years, Michael has helped and motivated hundreds of students to attend colleges and universities around the country.
- Mike, did you always know that you wanted to serve others and help today’s youth?
Yes, I did. I’ve always wanted to inspire people. I’ll never forget, when I was 7 years old, a woman in church said to me, “Michael, I see nothing but great things for your future, just always remember, to be the change you wish to see in the world” Ever since that day I’ve wanted to be a man of distinction and a man of service. I’ve always said that when you find your purpose, you find yourself, and all I care about is today’s youth. I am committing my life to the service of others and the youth that is in dire need of inspiration.
- Can you walk us through how you first got started in your career path?
Wow, well in short, back in 2006, when I was a high school senior in Louisiana, I was a very strong academic student who, just like every student, had dreams. One day, I’ll never forget, our local news channel did a story on my school and a few others that essentially reported that there’s no hope for these students because they attend a sink hole. I’ve always been bothered by that story because they never took the time to visit the schools reported, they were clueless to the amount of stellar students that attended those schools, and further more I wondered why did they report it. For the life of me, I’ve always wondered why would a group of adults that worked at that News station, Anchors, producers, etc. which I’m assuming all had children of their own, created a 3 minute broadcast to bash and discourage students.
Ever since that day, I said I was going to commit my life to inspiring the next generation of students. That’s why I created my company and its website www.imsoeducated.com . I use my website as a tool for students to have access to positive stories of themselves, others, college tours, companies, musicians, and a number of other things that can inspire them.
- How did you handle the bumps in the road? Were there any moments when you wondered if all your hard work was worth it?
Honestly, when I initially started it was a struggle for me. There were many times I spoke with adults and educators, who basically have committed their lives to writing off a large number of students. I started being able to analyze how certain non-profits and other organizations were set up, to simply profit off of today’s youth instead of educating them. I received some support, but was definitely met with adults who said I wasting my time. I met with superintendents who tried to steal my ideas, but were unsuccessful. Superintendents who were more focused on their career goals, instead of the task at hand, educating today’s youth.
Despite all of the good, the bad, and the unfortunate, I will NEVER GIVE UP on todays or tomorrows youth.
“It takes a village my friends.”
- I’m wondering if you can help us understand what you attribute your success to.
Well although my southern upbringing was pretty amazing, I credit the work of my parents and the major role they played in my life, to the success I have today. In addition to them, the great mentors that I was fortunate enough to surround myself with, on this journey we call life.
My mother an educator instilled in me at an early age the importance of education. My father a humanitarian and retired military vet instilled in me vision, hard work, and humility. My upbringing, my parents, my mentors, and the fuel I have received from the dream killers of the world, have been paramount to my success today.
- What do teens need today more than anything else?
The teens of today need to be inspired by more than entertainers, athletes, and anything that solely represents material success. The teens of today need to gain a since of purpose. When I spoke at Yale University, I told the audience, “I don’t have know each of you individually to know that you all have potential, however your potential will only be reached when you find your purpose in life.”
- What would you tell a teen who was struggling?
I would simply tell the teen, “Allow your struggle to inspire your actions, because although it may seem hard today, your struggle will not last forever.”
- Mike, what else do you want to tell us about what you do and what you want to eventually be doing?
In short, I will be traveling again this year across the country with my award winning seminar Respect the S.W.A.G. (Students With Academic Goals)
I also have my high School and College Academic Success journals available on Amazon.com
“Students With Academic Goals”
Finally, I would tell parents or educators to have their students or child visit www.imsoeducated.com for school tips, inspiration, and motivational content.
- Can you please share with all of us something else that I should have asked you?
I would simply just add in addition to this interview, to remember that if we give up on our youth today, we can say goodbye to our world tomorrow.
- How can people get in touch with you if they have additional questions?
People can get in touch with me directly via email at mmaller@imsoeducated.com
Or via the website www.imsoeducated.com
Thanks for your time Mike and keep up the good work! Our youth needs more people like you!
Daniel Blanchard
Author and Speaker of the Granddaddy’s Secrets teen leadership book series.
* PURCHASE “THE STORM” http://tinyurl.com/glxzjaf