Alumni Feature - Jeremy John
Written by Jeremy John, introduction by The Voice Inc.
Posted on 11 February 2019
Meet one of PNG’s newest children story book authors, Jeremy John. Jeremy has recently published 6 children story books with Library For All PNG and we are excited to feature him this week as our third TVI alumni feature. If you are looking for new children stories, please visit the Library for All PNG website or download their app, purchase the books & read!
Here we now share our Jeremy’s journey through TVI’s platform. Please join us by reading and celebrating the story telling catalyst.
If the child I was a couple of years ago saw me or even heard me now they wouldn’t believe me when I say I am an extrovert. I grew up being a shy, timid and reserved individual. I kept to myself and didn’t talk or socialize much. I grew up and went to school in a rural place in PNG, East New Britain (ENB) called Warangoi. Warangoi township became a popular place after the 1994 volcanic eruption that took place in Rabaul, ENB. It was popular since many displaced families like mine who lived in Rabaul were relocated to the township after the eruption. I was only a toddler when the eruption took place so unlike other older children or people who were relocated, life for me began in Warangoi. I went on to finish my elementary all the way up to secondary school (Grade 10) at Warangoi and basically built my life in that little township.
Life after the eruption was great but came with many adversities. My father left our family shortly after and we were only with our mother and grandfather. Here I was, shy, timid and now broken. Regardless of the void in our lives, my mother and grandfather were a loving support system for my 6 siblings and I.
I was still challenged with a low self-esteem and was unfortunately bullied at school. Everything happened so fast around me, I was slow to grasp the situation but the last to heal. I found my solace in my relationship with GOD and education. After all GOD finds beauty in brokenness. I found a way to channel my focus in school and went on to top almost all my classes. School was going extremely well for me, I found my footing in life and decided with education as a tool, I would have the opportunity to achieve my dreams and a better quality in life. I realised that if there was anyone to change my life and chart a new course for where I wanted to go or what I wanted to achieve, it would be me. I stopped feeling sorry for myself, focused on what was good for me and what could help me.
I tried to get myself involved in extra curricular activities as well, then came my first break. I was selected in 2011 to attend Utmei Secondary School to do my Grade 11 & 12. In 2012 my L&L teacher then, noticed a flare I had in literature and asked me to write the “Atlu Bulletin”, the weekly school bulletin. This convinced me that I would go into the writing/ journalism space since I enjoyed interviewing people and writing up stories. It helped me come out of my shell.
That same year I was selected to attend the Mike Manning Youth Democracy Camp hosted by Transparency International PNG at Kefamo, Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province. It was an unforgettable experience that would eventually place me on an exciting path. I did many firsts on this trip, including getting on a plane. I met many young vibrant like-minded Papua New Guineans who were passionate about making a difference. I was finally becoming that “extrovert”. At camp we were introduced to Serena (TVI co-founder) who talked about TVI and pitched the Leadership Development Program (LDP). It was such an alluring opportunity to be apart of the LDP I had locked it in my plan to join once I reached Uni, my next big goal.
Everything was finally coming together, I received the news in 2013 that I would be attending UPNG to do my Bachelor of Arts in Information and Communication Sciences. It was in my second year that I signed up for the 3 year LDP that was held on campus. I learned that responsibility towards my own actions were essential not only as a individual but as a citizen; it taught me that I am always responsible for what’s happening to me and that only I can change it. I crossed paths and made many amazing friendships. The LDP enforced my individual beliefs to live a purposeful yet virtuous life. It boosted my confidence and made me believe in myself to push beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone, to realise my potential and to truly be somebody in the future. I enjoyed making friends and being involved in meaningful discussions. This led to many voluntary roles as a peer educator for UPNG, Equal Playing Field and Church of course. During my final year in 2016, I went on to receive the KTF Archers Scholarship, where I took my first ever milestone journey to Australia. Through the scholarship program I was introduced to Peter Overton at Channel Nine Network Australia. This was the guy we all grew up watching on 60 Minutes Australia on EMTV every Sunday night at 7:00pm! I pinched myself as I thought I was dreaming.
I graduated from UPNG and am now currently employed with BSP. I still love volunteering and now do so in church outreach programs. Through the help of my former employer, World Vision PNG and Library for All PNG I have also published 6 children books which serves a greater purpose in my life as my partner and I are now expecting our first child. I may have become the man I have dreamed to become without a strong father figure in my life but rest assured I will prove what more can be fulfilled as the father figure in my own family and with my children.
I believe in giving, and that dreams are the catalyst for success. I believe one must give without expectations and always believe in your dreams. Be the best version of yourself by also always seeing the good in people; do not let bad situations bring out the worst in you.