“I believe that opportunities don’t just happen. You have to create them. If you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to help build their dream.” This is the belief of the hard-working young cook Nicholas James (NJ). 

Twenty-two-year-old James is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science, at the University of the West Indies Mona (UWI). For the past year and a half, he has been preparing jerked chicken and festival for his peers. Recently, teenBOSS (TB) held a conversation with James in order to further understand his undertakings.

TB: What inspired you to start this venture? 

NJ: Originally, it was just a venture to raise funds for my block, Stallion Republic, on Taylor Hall. I then realised that with a little more effort, it could help with my personal financial needs as well. Most students can attest to the harshness of the financial situation that we endure during our tenure. However, it is important that we try our best to make the most of our situation. So I started jerking chicken every Thursday and Saturday on the lawns of Taylor Hall.

TB: What has/have been your most fulfilling experience(s) thus far on your path?

NJ: I regard cooking as my sole talent. I’ve always tried to make the most of it. For me, there is no greater feeling than the face of a satisfied customer. It makes me feel good about what I am doing. I recall two young ladies: one from the Virgin Islands and the other a Bajan, were willing to cancel going to a popular fast food restaurant on campus. They waited until I got the fire started, and even helped me to put the chicken on. All this just to ensure that they could purchase a quarter from me. I was glad to know that they were indeed satisfied. That gave me the extra push to continue, although I had to make time for my studies. There are also persons who will call and get upset if I am not doing jerked chicken.

TB: What are your long term life-goals? (10 years)

NJ: For me, I see myself fulfilling a political career with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. I have a special interest in policy making for welfare programmes. I intend to become an owner of a ‘Country Food’ eatery. Hopefully I’ll become a husband as well.

TB: What/ Who has been your greatest motivation to help keep you going?

NJ: I consider my family to be my greatest motivation. I am a native of Westmoreland, and I grew up in a family that could be classified as a working class family. I’ve seen the struggles of my grandmothers and mother, along with other family members. I believe that I owe it to them to ‘make good of myself’. In doing so, I will assist in a positive way to the development of my family.