Ms. J. De Los Santos
Author
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine's Publisher/CEO
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Copa: Ms. J, where are you from?
Ms. J: I was born in La Romana, Dominican Republic, but raised in Providence, Rhode Island Copa: Which schools have you attedended?
Ms. J: After high school the major schools I attended were the University of Maryland (Bachelor of Science in Psychology), Walden University (Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology), the George Washington University (Executive Master of Business Administration), attending Harvard University (Certificate in Social Policy) and pursuing a PhD in Education. |
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Copa: At what time did you feel as if there was an adventure to happen in your future?
Ms. J: I would suggest that my life has been an adventure. I have had the distinction and privilege of traveling the world and getting to know some of the most incredible human beings.
Ms. J: I would suggest that my life has been an adventure. I have had the distinction and privilege of traveling the world and getting to know some of the most incredible human beings.
Copa: When and why did you join the military?
Ms. J: At the time of my enlistment I had applied to several universities in the local area. I was eventually accepted to Northeastern University, however only received a partial scholarship. Unfortunately, my mother, who was a single mother of two was unable to fund such an education and I saw her struggling to come up with the remaining scholarship balance. I couldn't let my mom do that. In fact, it was heartbreaking to watch so I decided that I would join the military and one month after graduating I was off to Marine Corps bootcamp (go hard or go home I thought). Throughout the 12 years that I served I had the opportunity to deploy to Iraq three times (all combat zones), Japan, the Philippines, serve in the Presidential Service Squadron, and be selected to serve as 1 out of only 37 Equal Opportunity Advisors for the entire Marine Corps. I have to say that writing it all down it really takes me back and helps me cherish every moment, memory, and lesson learned.
Ms. J: At the time of my enlistment I had applied to several universities in the local area. I was eventually accepted to Northeastern University, however only received a partial scholarship. Unfortunately, my mother, who was a single mother of two was unable to fund such an education and I saw her struggling to come up with the remaining scholarship balance. I couldn't let my mom do that. In fact, it was heartbreaking to watch so I decided that I would join the military and one month after graduating I was off to Marine Corps bootcamp (go hard or go home I thought). Throughout the 12 years that I served I had the opportunity to deploy to Iraq three times (all combat zones), Japan, the Philippines, serve in the Presidential Service Squadron, and be selected to serve as 1 out of only 37 Equal Opportunity Advisors for the entire Marine Corps. I have to say that writing it all down it really takes me back and helps me cherish every moment, memory, and lesson learned.
Copa: Would you say that a good speaker is also a good writer>?
Ms. J: I would question rather, if a good writer is a good speaker? The answer is no: at least in some cases. I have met many authors who were introverts in person, but expressed themselves so eloquently on their pages that one could easily become transfixed and lost in their words. A speaker, however, is expected to move you, inspire you, and leave you with parting gems. Everyone doesn't have that gift. It's an art and one that not all people are able to facilitate.
Ms. J: I would question rather, if a good writer is a good speaker? The answer is no: at least in some cases. I have met many authors who were introverts in person, but expressed themselves so eloquently on their pages that one could easily become transfixed and lost in their words. A speaker, however, is expected to move you, inspire you, and leave you with parting gems. Everyone doesn't have that gift. It's an art and one that not all people are able to facilitate.
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Copa: When did you write your first book and what was the subject matter?
Ms. J: By the way, my second book The Adventures of Jaden: Vol I was my first 'children's book' and it turned out to be amazing! I can't wait to reveal this one to the world. The first book I wrote, "Redefine Yourself: The Modern Guide to Become A Phenomenal Woman," was written during a time of reflection. I had just left a relationship that I had struggled through for years. As we often do, I replayed scenarios over and over and wondered where I failed and what I could've done differently. I also questioned how much of myself I gave up and lost along the way and why I allowed that to happen. I realized that I loved someone else and put someone else before me. At that point, I decided to find out how many other women had experienced the same thing and realized that this is more common than we admit (we just don't talk about it!!). Then I got to work. I interviewed hundreds of women and researched and obsessed over this project. What ensued was a guide that others could use to learn from my mistakes and those of the hundreds of women that I interviewed for the book. I would say that writing the book was not only therapeutic, but also a way to help other women overcome their need to be defined by others. |
Photography by Florina R.
For more information about this book click on to this link:
Copa: Please tell our readers about you and 'the spoken word.'
Ms. J: I have an array of passion projects that really move me. One of those is poetry. I have been writing poetry since I can remember, so naturally I had to create a spoken word album. I just released this 10 track album a few weeks ago and I am ecstatic about how it turned out. It's called
"Transcend." When you look at the album art you will see pictures that I've taken from around the world (Dominican Republic, South Africa, Estonia), so this album is not only a compilation of my spoken art, but also a few of my visual art pieces. Overall, its a glimpse into some of the deepest parts of me.
Ms. J: I have an array of passion projects that really move me. One of those is poetry. I have been writing poetry since I can remember, so naturally I had to create a spoken word album. I just released this 10 track album a few weeks ago and I am ecstatic about how it turned out. It's called
"Transcend." When you look at the album art you will see pictures that I've taken from around the world (Dominican Republic, South Africa, Estonia), so this album is not only a compilation of my spoken art, but also a few of my visual art pieces. Overall, its a glimpse into some of the deepest parts of me.
Copa: What does the future hold for Ms. J. De Los Santos with her business and the Literary World?
Ms. J: I'm not entirely sure. I continue to redefine myself over and over again and I believe that's what drives me to strive for more. Whether it's my PhD, my third book, more speaking engagements or running for office, I want people to know that there are no limits, except those that we place on ourselves. So always remember: You are meant for a purpose beyond your wildest dreams. This is your time. Shine.
Ms. J: I'm not entirely sure. I continue to redefine myself over and over again and I believe that's what drives me to strive for more. Whether it's my PhD, my third book, more speaking engagements or running for office, I want people to know that there are no limits, except those that we place on ourselves. So always remember: You are meant for a purpose beyond your wildest dreams. This is your time. Shine.
~Copa