As a young Black man from Philadelphia, I’ve always believed that real change starts with the next generation. Too often, I see young people around me growing up without the guidance, resources, or support they need to succeed. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to pour into the youth around me—especially those who come from environments where they’re overlooked or underestimated. Right now, I’m doing that work in my own school and community. I take pride in being someone younger students can look up to—whether that’s through mentoring, giving advice, or just being present and supportive. I’ve built strong bonds with younger boys, like my “school nephew” Jay’veon, who see me as a big brother figure. Through relationships like this, I’ve learned how important it is for young people to have someone who listens to them, encourages them, and reminds them that they matter. I don’t take that responsibility lightly. Outside of mentoring, I’m also a leader on my school’s step team. Step has allowed me to bring people together and create a space where we can express ourselves, build discipline, and support one another like family. Being a part of that has shown me the power of unity and the importance of having positive outlets for young people to grow and shine. In the future, I plan to continue this work on a bigger scale. I want to attend Morehouse College and major in Business Administration so I can become an entrepreneur who not only builds successful businesses but also gives back to the community. I want to open businesses in areas like baking, fashion, and handmade jewelry—creative spaces that also serve as hubs for mentorship, job training, and personal development for youth. My ultimate goal is to create programs that teach young people real-life skills like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and emotional intelligence. I want to give them tools that schools don’t always provide and open doors they may not even know exist. Most importantly, I want to show them that their dreams are valid and reachable, no matter where they come from. I believe that leadership is about more than just having a title—it’s about showing up, being consistent, and setting the tone for others to follow. That’s what I try to do every day, and that’s the kind of impact I want to keep making throughout my life. By investing in youth, I know I can help build stronger communities and a brighter future for everyone.

In “Romantic Time Capsule,” couples will create a time capsule that represents their relationship and future aspirations. The challenge combines creativity, foresight, and collaboration, and aims to showcase how well couples understand each other and their shared dreams. Challenge Breakdown- Personal Artifacts: Each couple is given a box and asked to fill it with five items that symbolize their relationship. These could be anything from personal notes and small gifts to symbolic trinkets. They must explain the significance of each item in a short presentation. Future Predictions: Couples will write letters to their future selves, predicting where they see their relationship in five years. They’ll also record a video message about their current feelings and hopes for the future. These letters and videos will be sealed in the capsule. Memory Collage: Couples must create a visual collage from materials provided (e.g., magazines, markers, glue) that represents their journey together so far. The collage should capture key moments, emotions, and milestones in their relationship. Dream Map: Each pair will design a “dream map” illustrating their future goals and adventures together. This map should include both realistic and imaginative aspirations, such as traveling to specific destinations or achieving personal goals as a couple. Capsule Presentation: After preparing their time capsule, couples present their completed projects to the rest of the villa. They explain the meaning behind their chosen items, their future predictions, and their dream map. Scoring and Prizes- Personal Artifacts: 10 points for creativity and meaningful explanations. Future Predictions: 10 points for depth and alignment with each other’s visions. Memory Collage: 10 points for visual appeal and emotional resonance. Dream Map: 10 points for creativity and realism of future goals. The couple with the highest total score wins the challenge. The prize could be a special, romantic evening where they can use their time capsule as a backdrop, perhaps under the stars or on a private beach, reflecting on their journey together. This challenge is designed to offer a deep dive into the couples' emotions and future plans, allowing them to creatively express their relationship and showcase their long-term commitment.