If I told my younger self in high school that I would be attending South Carolina State University, I wouldn’t believe it. I really didn’t know too much about the university and HBCU’s in general. I knew that I wanted to continue my education in college but I just didn’t know where honestly. Sure enough and without a doubt, I can tell you that attending South Carolina State is one of the biggest blessings God bestowed upon me. I’m from a small town located in Fountain Inn, South Carolina and not too many people are blessed to go to college with a free education. I was offered to play football for Coach Buddy Pough and the South Carolina State Bulldogs and being a student athlete took me places one can only dream of. I’ve accomplished a lot and throughout the years being at State, I’ve matured into the man I am today! Being at SC State has taught me to be more time oriented and more responsible. My parents aren’t here at school to make decisions for me and it is on me to make the right choices in college and hold myself accountable. I’m pursuing my degree in Physical Education of Teaching and I chose this field because I want to impact the youth and teach the importance of sports and fitness. Growing up my PE teacher always made class exciting and that was one class I for sure knew would be exhilarating no matter what day it is. Truth be told, we don’t know what kids are going through outside of school but as a future educator, my goal is to have the right energy and the right attitude for students to be themselves and for me to always be encouraging while being at school with them. I just want to be an influence for those who do not have a positive influence. Also, I want to increase the percentage of future African American male educators. One thing I love and respect about my HBCU is that we love to see black excellence. From the front gate, to the professors, classmates, cafeteria assistants, janitors, all of us support each other's culture and we all want each other to be the best versions of ourselves in life. Just like Grandma Betty and Big Lou are being a blessing and a sponge to us, I too hopefully pray that I will be a positive influence and a sponge for someone else in the long road.