I was born in Chicago, Illinois. My father, at times, was inconsistent in my life. He expressed it was because of being orphaned in his childhood.The reality of a survivor was instilled in me since birth. Coming from a family with 7 sisters in Chicago, growing up in this environment allowed me to examine multiple realities at once. It made me realize that I don't want another child to feel unwanted or under-serviced. I knew I had to make a difference. The day my life truly began was when my Mother took me and my siblings to live in Broward County Florida. I began my education at Dillard High School for the arts. Though I excelled at any sport I played, there was soon a point where I was mentally downcast. I wondered for months what the reason could be. Academically, and recreationally sound, yet emotionally vacant. It was not until I met a young officer named Mr. James that I realized my purpose: My greatest achievement. Our first run was in the Principal's office. I was sent there due to leaving school multiple times. Due to my home address still residing in Chicago, I was not allowed free-or-reduced lunch, and neither was I allowed to even purchase food in the cafeteria. The only vending machines were in the teachers’ lounge, so I had only one option besides starving. After being punished, Mr. James approached me. Saying how he saw something in me beyond my means. Though I did not understand at the moment, this was the beginning of a powerful future. Since that day in 2016, I have amassed over 400 documented community service hours in the cities of Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Coconut Creek, and Miami Florida. Sergeant James McDowell of the Fort Lauderdale police department and I collaborated on our program Youth Behind the Shield: An organization aimed at highlighting positive police representation in minority communities, while also educating youth & providing food in the local areas. We have had multiple turkey drives and fed over 300 students per week. This led to the Mayor, Dean Trantalis personally congratulating us on the work done in our community. I have also done multiple extracurricular activities parallel to those of school & community service. I have won a boxing tournament in Chicago, played three years varsity baseball, football and wrestling for two years, ran track, and was a part of multiple school initiatives. Being a part of my school’s student council was a crucial aspect in gaining conflict resolution skills. I achieved the honor roll and held the top ten percent in high school throughout graduation. The most recent high school achievement was being the recipient of the City of Sunrise Outstanding Citizenship award for my impact in scholastics, and community service. Suffice it to say, I believe I have a verified, and respected track record. Notably, I have been very active in the mentor group Men of Tomorrow, which aims at bringing Black & Latinx/ Hispanic men in to teach young males about hard work, and higher education. These early foundations led to my involvement in FIU backed organizations Social Justice & Inclusion, as well as the Black Student Union. Our goals in SJ&I were to enlighten many of the student populous on respecting others’ religions, ethnicities, and ways of life. It is with my personal belief that I am a very qualified candidate, who not only succeeds individually, but interpersonal as well. Though only being a freshman in college, I have climbed up the ranks in three large scale organizations & initiatives. I would like to not only forward my education, but graduate at FIU. Being approved for early admission allowed me the chance to see all the good that can be done in the community. My vision is to double-major in Communication Arts & Real estate. Being able to offer affordable housing to families who were in the same position as my single mother is something that must be accomplished. With a passion for business, I can be an example for those who also came from a similar upbringing yet slipped through the cracks. I will be the standard of what it means to be an educated, respected, and high achieving young man.

I was born in Chicago, Illinois. My father, at times, was inconsistent in my life. He expressed it was because of being orphaned in his childhood.The reality of a survivor was instilled in me since birth. Coming from a family with 7 sisters in Chicago, growing up in this environment allowed me to examine multiple realities at once. The day my life truly began was when my Mother took me and my siblings to live in Broward County Florida. I began my education at Dillard High School for the arts. Though I excelled at any sport I played, there was soon a point where I was mentally downcast. I wondered for months what the reason could be. Academically, and recreationally sound, yet emotionally vacant. It was not until I met a young officer named Mr. James that I realized my purpose: My greatest achievement. Our first run was in the Principal's office. I was sent there due to leaving school multiple times. Due to my home address still residing in Chicago, I was not allowed free-or-reduced lunch, and neither was I allowed to even purchase food in the cafeteria. The only vending machines were in the teachers’ lounge, so I had only one option besides starving. After being punished, Mr. James approached me. Saying how he saw something in me beyond my means. Though I did not understand at the moment, this was the beginning of a powerful future. Since that day in 2016, I have amassed over 400 documented community service hours in the cities of Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Coconut Creek, and Miami Florida. Sergeant James McDowell of the Fort Lauderdale police department and I collaborated on our program Youth Behind the Shield: An organization aimed at highlighting positive police representation in minority communities, while also educating youth & providing food in the local areas. We have had multiple turkey drives and fed over 300 students per week. This led to the Mayor, Dean Trantalis personally congratulating us on the work done in our community. I have also done multiple extracurricular activities parallel to those of school & community service. I have won a boxing tournament in Chicago, played three years varsity baseball, football and wrestling for two years, ran track, and was a part of multiple school initiatives. Being a part of my school’s student council was a crucial aspect in gaining conflict resolution skills. I achieved the honor roll and held the top ten percent in high school throughout graduation. The most recent high school achievement was being the recipient of the City of Sunrise Outstanding Citizenship award for my impact in scholastics, and community service. Suffice it to say, I believe I have a verified, and respected track record. Notably, I have been very active in the mentor group Men of Tomorrow, which aims at bringing Black & Latinx/ Hispanic men in to teach young males about hard work, and higher education. These early foundations led to my involvement in FIU backed organizations Social Justice & Inclusion, as well as the Black Student Union. Our goals in SJ&I were to enlighten many of the student populous on respecting others’ religions, ethnicities, and ways of life. It is with my personal belief that I am a very qualified candidate, who not only succeeds individually, but interpersonal as well. Though only being a freshman in college, I have climbed up the ranks in three large scale organizations & initiatives. Social Justice & Inclusion, Black Student Union, and Multicultural Purposes And Services. I would like to not only forward my education, but graduate at FIU. Being approved for early admission allowed me the chance to see all the good that can be done in the community. My vision is to double-major in Communication Arts & Real estate. Being able to offer affordable housing to families who were in the same position as my single mother is something that must be accomplished. With a passion for business, I can be an example for those who also came from a similar upbringing yet slipped through the cracks. I will be the standard of what it means to be an educated, respected, and high achieving young man.