“Football has taught me a lot of life lessons,” said Je’Mazin Roberts, ’24, a middle linebacker. The political science major, eager to give back to his community, decided the best thing he could do was pass those lessons on—so he wrote a children’s book.
Roberts, a native of Milledgeville, Georgia, was inspired to write by his niece Olivia. “She would always tell me that I’m like her big brother, her role model, and that really kicked it off for me,” said Roberts. “It’s about wanting to be a role model for the community back in Milledgeville and be a voice for the kids there. I want to let them know that anything they put their minds to, they can do—that they can accomplish anything.”
Publishing a book was no easy task. After connecting with illustrator Nadia Ronquillo, Roberts spent more than a year writing, editing, and laying out the book, which is entitled You are Amazing.
“One thing that I’ve learned from this experience is a lot of humility. I thought writing a kids’ book would be a piece of cake. But it was challenging,” said Roberts. “I like challenges. That’s why I came to The Citadel.” A junior graduating early, Roberts intends to continue challenging himself to greater heights by pursuing a master’s degree at The Citadel Graduate College in the fall.
Since the book’s publication, Roberts has performed readings at several schools in Georgia and South Carolina, including the Charleston Development Academy, less than a mile from The Citadel campus. Roberts, alongside fellow members of the African American Society, read the book aloud, signed copies for each class to keep, and fielded questions like “What’s your favorite football team?” Roberts was in his element and patiently answered them all.
“My goal is for kids to understand that they can accomplish their dreams and just to trust the process,” said Roberts.
Near the end of the reading, a dozen third graders clustered around him. Roberts recited a creed, and the class dutifully repeated each line after him. “Through hard work in school, on the field and off, we can learn, strive and reach our goals. I am the future. I am bright. I am amazing.”