Gerald Jones speaks "Those Things"

The Klein Center on CFCC’s Ocala campus consisted of over 170 students, faculty and staff who came to see, and hear, one man.

The moment this man was introduced, the speakers blasted hip hop beats, and students were encouraged to participate in dance and uplifting chants.

On Wednesday, Feb. 10, at noon, Gerald Jones visited CFCC to spread his “words of wisdom”.

Gerald Jones is the author of “Speak Those Things:Achieving Success by What You Say”. He is currently on his Leadership Tour, and CFCC was his first stop in Central Florida.

His appearance was hosted by CFCC’s Student Activities Board (SAB).

Jones was born and raised in Palatka, Fla. with his mother, father and four siblings. He attended the University of Central Florida, and, in 2006, graduated with a BA in political science.

While students chanted, “I am not who they say I am. I am great. I am powerful. And that’s what’s up,” the SAB members proudly reflected on the amount of attendees and their willingness to participate.

John Collins, 20, criminal justice major, is a member of SAB at CFCC. This was his fifth time hearing Gerald Jones enlighten his crowd. He didn’t expect a turn out quite like it was, but felt it was extremely important for CFCC’s students to experience what Jones had to say.

“I expected a lot less students to come,” Collins said. “The Student Activities Board tried our hardest to get the word out around campus. I know his words can be life changing.”

In 1998, when Jones met and spoke with Dr. Martin Luther King’s youngest daughter, Yolanda King, he realized the importance of the words encouragement and love. He then knew he would use his education and personal hard work to spread the word to his fellow community members.

“I want people to realize not to be afraid of the world and of the word love,” Jones said. “If we can learn how to bring love to one another, our country, environment and society as a whole will be better off.”

Andrea Greer, 24, a cosmetology student, attended the event.

“Gerald Jones was very interesting,” Greer said. “I took a lot from his words about love.”

Jones believes with the knowledge and use of his “six C’s rule”,one can see his/her way through anything in life:

“Always have courage when working towards a goal, think about your actions and acknowledge consequences follow, be consistent in your ideas and beliefs, allow yourself and your love to be contagious, have control and order over your body and life and always complete whatever it is you started,” Jones said.

Markeshia Grant, 20, liberal arts major, was encouraged by Jones' speech.

“In one word, I would say Gerald Jones was motivational,” Grant said. “I enjoyed the six C’s. It inspires you to live a complete life, and teaches you all the steps to accomplish having a complete life.”

Jones continued to inspire his listeners through the hour with his powerful words.

He encouraged the audience to stay on course, and to always succeed in conquering an individual’s dreams and goals. To him, quitting is unacceptable.

“If you quit now, you’ll be quitting forever,” Jones said.

Before setting up for his meet and greet book signing, Jones left his lasting impression with his last words of advice; to follow his 25 success tips.

“I am great because I think it, I speak it,” Jones said. “You are whatever you say you are. Remember that.”

Ways to contact and/or book Gerald Jones for banquets, leadership programs, conferences, retreats, etc:

Web site: www.gjones.org

E-mail: booking@gjones.org

info@gjones.org

Phone: 904-692-3179

25 tips to success

1.Study, and study hard.

2.Try

3. It’s okay to say no.

4. Love yourself by protecting yourself.

5. Be careful who you follow.

6. Find your purpose.

7. Don’t underachieve.

8. Don’t settle.

9. Find some faith and fall in love with it.

10. Listen.

11. Finish the course.

12. Don’t get distracted.

13. Don’t forget to pray.

14. Surround yourself with greatness.

15. Take your time.

16. Read.

17. Write.

18. Obey your parents.

19. Be careful.

20. If someone hurts you- tell.

21. Serve.

22. Understand the meaning of the word excellence.

23. Don’t stop.

24. Climb higher.

25. Speak those things: I will, I must, I can, I’m determined.