As an adolescent, I dreamt of soaring through the stars, cascading through the cosmos, and ascending among the asteroids just as my idols had done before me. I envisioned myself floating weightlessly in the vast expanse of space, charting new territories, and exploring the unknown. The sheer thought of stepping into the void, contributing to humanity’s understanding of the universe, and being a part of something so grand was exhilarating. Among the names that inspired me, one stood out: Guion Buford. As the first African American astronaut to fly into space, Buford’s legacy illuminated the path for countless others, including myself. He made history not just for the nation, but for the world. His achievements embodied the strength, resilience, and ambition that many of us, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, could look up to. I aspired to be like Buford, to climb the cosmos and follow in the footsteps of those who broke barriers in space exploration. The idea of being one of the few African American astronauts, contributing to humanity’s reach beyond the stars, would have been my ultimate honor. I wanted to be part of that awe-inspiring list of trailblazers—individuals who defied the odds, ventured into uncharted territories, and represented the potential within all of us to achieve greatness, regardless of background or origin. The dream was big, bold, and ambitious, but in my heart, I believed it was achievable. Unfortunately, as time passed, it became clear that space exploration would not be the path for me. The reality of life, with its own set of challenges and constraints, led me down a different road. I may not have had the opportunity to contribute to my country’s space program, but that does not mean my drive to make a difference faded. While I may never soar through the stars, I can still make an impact here on Earth, in a way that is meaningful and tangible. My goal now is to make a positive difference in my community, particularly by helping those who are struggling with affordable housing. I aim to become the best real estate agent I can be, with the hope of eventually owning my own agency. By doing so, I can provide others with the opportunity to own homes that they might not otherwise be able to afford. My journey may not take me to the stars, but I know that by helping people achieve the dream of homeownership, I am building a legacy of my own one grounded in service, community, and opportunity.

Moving around the South as an African American has given me a unique perspective on different communities, cultures, and environments. Everywhere Ive lived has exposed me to new ways of life, different struggles, and diverse perspectives. Experiencing these differences firsthand has shaped my understanding of people and allowed me to develop a deep sense of empathy. This ability to connect with others from various backgrounds, combined with my customer service experience, has prepared me to foster a more understanding and compassionate community. At AT&T, I had the privilege of working with customers from all backgrounds. Whether I was troubleshooting a phone issue, explaining a bill, or helping an elderly customer navigate a smartphone for the first time, I saw how technology can be both a tool for connection and a source of frustration. Working with elderly customers, in particular, taught me patience and the importance of clear communication. Many of them simply wanted someone to listen and guide them through unfamiliar technology, and I was able to provide that. Beyond customer service, my summer job cleaning up after people at the local library gave me a new level of appreciation for service work. Picking up discarded books, wiping down tables, and organizing shelves may seem like minor tasks, but they allowed others to enjoy a clean, welcoming space. It also showed me that every job, no matter how small, contributes to the overall well-being of a community. Through my experiences moving, working in customer service, and doing community-based jobs, I have gained the skills to connect with people on a deeper level. I understand different struggles, recognize different needs, and appreciate the value of patience and service. With these skills, I will work to build a more empathetic and understanding community, one where people listen to and support each other, no matter their background or circumstances. Traveling around the south as an African American man has allowed me to see the unsettling truth that racism is still very much alive and the hate spread by racists show no bounds.Seeing that first hand has allowed me to be extremely empathetic towards new English speakers, people new to the country, and really have a special compassion for all of the races in the big melting pot we call America. Experiences with the negative people in this world only drive me to make this world a much more empathetic and understanding place as only someone who's experienced it personally can do