However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that.1 Corinthians 7:7b
Thirteen-year-old Marcoje Mighty is one confident youngster. Unlike some children who feel pressured to follow the crowd, he never felt that way; it never bothered him, and he doubts it ever will. One of the reasons is the passion he has for photography and video production; apart from his schoolwork, nothing else captures his attention.
Marcoje developed this passion in early 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, while in the fifth grade at Mineral Heights Primary in Clarendon. Being out of school, and with nothing else to do apart from his online lessons, he decided to create a YouTube channel.
He then asked one of his aunts if she could gift him a camera, which she did. Before he got the camera, though, he started investing in research, watching everything to do with photography and videography on YouTube.
“I really liked the concept of taking pictures and capturing a moment so you can look at it and get memories,” he shared.
Balancing his hobby and online lessons was the perfect fit for the youngster, as, unlike some students, he enjoyed having his classes online.
“I enjoyed learning online as you didn’t have to wake up early to head out to school; you could sit down in the comfort of your home and learn,” he noted.
Being online, Marcoje said there were never any conflicts between his schoolwork and his desire to work on his YouTube channel; for him, there was no distraction.
“If I am going to record, I do it after class. I didn’t need to be monitored by my father (Maurice Mighty) as I am self-motivated, and I have always been a disciplined person,” he shared proudly.
FIRST-PLACED PEP BOY
The formula worked wonderfully for him, as in 2021 he was the first-placed Primary Exit Profile (PEP) boy at Glenmuir High School, making him a torch bearer.
The now-second former confessed to being more than a little nervous being around such a big crowd, but not for long. As he quipped, “After a while, I got used to it; it didn’t scare me because I realised that all these people were there to cheer for me and not to judge me.”
First form was a breeze for the talented student, as at the prize-giving ceremony he got 12 distinctions and was placed second overall in the first-form stream. He was also awarded for being on the principal’s honour roll.
The second former, who has his sights set on being a robotic engineer, is already laying the foundation by being a part of the robotics club at the school, and has also joined the chess, photography, and cadet clubs.
“I’ve always liked technology, and I’ve always liked the idea of building technology,” he shared.
He will not be leaving his creative passion behind, as he hopes to team up with his younger brother Ayele-jon, whose passion is music production, and for him, they both go hand in hand.
“Videography and music work hand in hand, so you have music and you’re going to need videos, so I think in the future with his music, we will work hand in hand to better his music and my craft,” he noted.
CHURCH AND SCHOOL COME FIRST
Marcoje, a member of the Palmer’s Cross Church of God of Prophecy, looks up to his father, who is a music lover and someone who ensures they come with their “A” game where their school work is concerned.
Marcoje’s advice to young persons, such as himself, is for them to remain focused and not get too caught up with fun and allow their schoolwork to suffer.
Weighing in on violence in school, his advice is for them to “talk things out” and not allow things to get out of hand. “Think ahead,” he warns, “ if in your young years you get a record, it will not be good for you.”
