Kewona Jones is a young woman full of conviction and faith.
Ranked ninth in her class, Jones has thrived in the Lincoln High School Communication/Humanities Magnet where she has written and produced multiple films and documentaries, earning awards for her efforts. Her ability to adapt to life’s hardships and her maturity gives Jones the motivation to change her world, to break the pattern, and to be a role model for her nephew. Jones will attend the University of Texas this fall, where she has been accepted into the radio-television-film department in the College of Communication.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and where you plan to go to college?
I’m the youngest of three raised in a single-parent home by my unemployed mother. With that being said we’ve been through some hard times, which is the reason I try to stay on track to ensure that my future does not end up being a vicious cycle. Five days a week, I ride the city bus from my home in Oak Cliff to my high school in South Dallas. My dream is to become a successful filmmaker and shine a light on the place I’ve come from and the experiences I’ve had.
What one bit of advice would you give to an incoming ninth-grader to help them succeed?
I’d tell that freshman not to worry so much and to focus on what’s important. Not everything matters so don’t let the little things get to you.
What teacher has had the greatest impact on your life?
I’d have to say that I’ve had two teachers that impacted my life the most. Those teachers are Dr. White and Mr. Boone, my radio/television teachers. They’ve taught me things about the film industry that other young people my age won’t know until later on in their career paths.
What’s your favorite memory from your time in Dallas ISD?
My favorite memory is my group of amazing friends. Whenever I was going through some kind of challenge I can always depend on them to make me smile. It’s something I’ll never forget.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome in your life?
The biggest obstacle I’ve every overcome is when I lived in a shelter at the age 14. My mother, sister and I moved there a couple days after Christmas and stayed for about 3 months. I like to call that the worst and best experience of my life because even though I was at my lowest point, I learned I will never be put in a situation that I can’t handle.
