Shondre Lynch
ife will sometimes take you on an unexpected journey you never thought you would take, but that's the thing about life...it's all about how you make it! You know how the saying goes, tell God your plans and watch him laugh. I found this statement particularly true about my interviewee and the journey he has taken in his life to step outside of what was so that he can tap into the passions lived within him. Shondre Lynch, who goes by Dre for short, took his initial first steps of self-discovery back in June of 2006 after graduating from high school and preparing himself to attend South Carolina State University as a member of the Call Me Mister program. He kept a steady pace and went on to graduate in 2010 with a BA in Education, then followed that path into a teaching position, which he did for a year. After that one year of teaching, he came to the realization that it wasn't actually the path he thought he wanted to continue down. Changing the direction of his journey to find new passions within him took some time, but anything worth having is worth fighting for. 
Lynch, centered at 2010 graduation for SCSU
SAJ: Hey, Dre! How are you today? I really appreciate you taking the time out to speak with me today and allowing me to officially introduce you to my audience.
Dre: What's up, Aneace! I'm doing pretty good, just getting ready for an event, but you know I couldn't leave you hanging. I got you. And thank you for having me.
Lynch and Myself while I take a break at work
(2013)
SAJ: If you've been following my earlier blogs, then you've probably heard my Campus Connection mix a few times, which featured our special guest here! He is the last voice that introduces me before I begin my segment. We connected as friends at SC State 20 years ago...and have been friends ever since. Wow, time really flies!
Dre: I know! You remember when I used to come bother you at work when you worked in the mall?! (Laughs) Yeah, pure shenanigans!
SAJ: (laughs) That's a throwback right there! I definitely do, and if my memory serves me correctly, you had a wrestling show that afternoon. How did you go from teaching to getting into wrestling?
Dre: You know what, I did have a show that day, that's crazy! I actually started wrestling in Spartanburg on June 14, 2008, well before I officially started teaching. My stage name was DeAndre Jackson.
SAJ: Oh wow, I didn't know that. I thought this started after teaching. Did you only wrestle in the state of South Carolina or did you get to travel anywhere else to perform or meet any pro wrestlers?
Dre: Yeah! Over the course of 18 years, I've traveled to Canada, Texas, and a few other places where I got to meet some of my hero's. Honestly, a surreal moment in time.
SAJ:18 years! Wow, that a long time, but I guess it doesn't feel like work when it's something you love to do. Was wrestling your main focus or did you dabble in anything at the time? If not, are you still wrestling now?
Dre: I dabbled in art around 2014 and sold a few pieces to so it definitely gave me some creative freedom to express myself. That creative freedom transpired into writing a book titled "Thoughts of a soulful heart: A Love Story." With age comes wisdom, and now I'm at the point where I've decided to transition into a helping role model for other wrestlers who are just starting out, so they can learn the business.
SAJ: That's amazing and honestly smart. I'm sure these wrestlers appreciate all the knowledge you've shared with them. A book is amazing! I love the title and I'm sure that was therapeutic to get out. So when did music come into play because Ive heard some clean beats on tik tok lately and they sound so good!
Dre: Music started for me back in 2020 during the pandemic, essentially when everyone else began picking up hobbies just to pass the time. Dillion of the 9th wonder was my inspiration to believe I coul do it too to where now Ive worked with a few artist and created music for their projects. In fact, the event I'm headed to is the SC lo-fi, a producer cypher centered around networking and sharing our beats with different producers and artists.
SAJ: That sounds like so much fun! I love it when a hobby and passion turn into a career! I feel the same way about content creation and my writing. Well, I don't want to hold up too much of your time. I know you're headed to an event, but let the people know where they can follow you and check out your work, and we'll chat more next time!
Dre: My socials are :
IG: @karolinabeatz
IG: TBHDJackson
IG: @CreationsByDre
IG: @BigDreComedy
SAJ: You are so welcome and I can't wait to hear what God has in store for you have in store for you in the future. You can follow Dre on any of his socials that he provided in the interview and get into all of his dope works of art. We hope this interview has inspired you to go for your dreams and goals.
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