I grew up in a single-parent household with four older brothers, all of us navigating the harsh realities of poverty and crime. With no real role models to guide us, the streets became the primary influence for many of my peers and even my brothers. I witnessed drug use, gang affiliation, and violence regularly, and I knew that if I wasn’t careful, I could easily fall into that same trap. However, my mother was determined to shield us from that fate. She kept us busy with sports and after-school programs, ensuring that we had structure and purpose beyond the streets. Despite her efforts, I still found myself surrounded by people who made choices I knew I could never afford to make. I have witnessed violence firsthand—people being shot, nearly stabbed to death, and lives being lost over trivial disputes. These experiences, though terrifying, reinforced my resolve to choose a different path. I remember the words that stuck with me the most: “Don’t be another statistic. Too many people die for the stupidest things.” I took that message to heart, determined to break the cycle that had claimed so many lives before me. Despite the challenges, I have grown immensely. I didn’t become critical about my future until my sophomore year of high school when I began seriously considering different career paths. I initially explored trade professions like electrical work and plumbing, but my high school mentors saw my potential before I did. They pushed me to believe in myself and pursue higher education, a choice that has transformed my life. Today, I’m excelling in college, holding an executive board position, actively participating in the Black Male Initiative, and engaging in numerous community service efforts. More importantly, I have become a strong advocate for mental health awareness, openly discussing the impact of trauma on young men. Going through my challenges and recommitting myself to the Lord helped me find that purpose I always had. He's helped me see this through advocacy and helping those in need. Either financially, conversely, or just being able to connect through humility. I've found out it only takes someone who cares and someone you know who is willing to listen. Everyone needs that connection to feel they are just as important as the next person. Being humble has been a great benefactor through my development as I continue to mature and take on the road of social engagement. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me purpose. I now use my story to inspire others, proving that despite the circumstances we are born into, we have the power to break and rewrite our narratives. My mission is clear: to break the cycle, raise awareness, and help others break the cycle. I am no longer just surviving—I am thriving.

Have you ever experienced PTSD? For many, post-traumatic stress disorder is associated with soldiers returning from war, but for others, like me, it stems from surviving the daily violence of inner-city life. Growing up on the dangerous Southside of Chicago, I was constantly exposed to crime—shootings, robberies, and petty offenses that most people in my community viewed as normal. But I knew, deep down, that this was not the way life was supposed to be. I refused to accept it as my reality. I grew up in a single-parent household with four older brothers, all of us navigating the harsh realities of poverty and crime. With no real role models to guide us, the streets became the primary influence for many of my peers and even my brothers. I witnessed drug use, gang affiliation, and violence regularly, and I knew that if I wasn’t careful, I could easily fall into that same trap. However, my mother was determined to shield us from that fate. She kept us busy with sports and after-school programs, ensuring that we had structure and purpose beyond the streets. Despite her efforts, I still found myself surrounded by people who made choices I knew I could never afford to make. I have witnessed violence firsthand—people being shot, nearly stabbed to death, and lives being lost over trivial disputes. These experiences, though terrifying, reinforced my resolve to choose a different path. I remember the words that stuck with me the most: “Don’t be another statistic. Too many people die for the stupidest things.” I took that message to heart, determined to break the cycle that had claimed so many lives. However, the psychological toll of growing up in such an environment didn’t fully hit me until the summer before my freshman year of college, when I almost lost my life. Just two months before stepping onto campus, I was nearly gunned down in an incident that had nothing to do with me. At the time, I brushed it off as just another close call—something I had become desensitized to. But once I was removed from that environment and immersed in a new setting, I realized how deeply the trauma had affected me. I began experiencing symptoms of PTSD recurring nightmares of my death, anxiety, and a lingering sense of paranoia. It wasn’t until my ex-girlfriend, who acted as my unofficial therapist, pointed it out that I fully acknowledged my struggle. The effects were visible in my academic performance and overall well-being. The individual sought professional therapy after confiding in their program coordinator, which significantly improved their ability to process their experiences healthily and develop coping mechanisms for trauma management. Despite the challenges, I have grown immensely. In high school, I became more critical about my future and began considering various career paths. My mentors encouraged me to believe in myself and pursue higher education, which has transformed my life. Today, I am excelling in college, holding an executive board position, actively participating in the Black Male Initiative, and engaging in numerous community service efforts. More importantly, I have become a strong advocate for mental health awareness, openly discussing the impact of trauma on young men like myself. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me purpose. I'm highlighting the power of breaking narratives and inspiring others to rise above their past. Proving that despite the circumstances we are born into, we have the power to break and rewrite our narratives. By breaking the cycle, raising awareness, and helping others recognize their potential, transforming from surviving to thriving.

As I reflect on the unforgettable moments of this year’s Summer Olympics, I find myself juggling with a beautiful dilemma: how can I possibly choose a favorite athlete among the exceptional talent on display? From thrilling track and field events to intense decathlons, from breathtaking water sports to dynamic volleyball and basketball competitions, each athlete showcased their dedication and skill in a way that makes selection nearly impossible. My enthusiasm for cheering on my country, Team USA, is immense, fueled by a tradition that began with my great-grandmother. Growing up, the Olympics were more than just a series of sporting events; they were a cherished family tradition. My great-grandmother instilled in me the excitement of rooting for our athletes, and sharing stories of her Olympic memories. She would gather our family around the television, her passion flowing as we watched everything from gymnastics to fencing. That animated atmosphere in my household during the Olympics shaped my own love for the Games, teaching me to celebrate not just individual achievements but also the spirit of unity that sports can bring. This year, I made it a point to experience as many events as possible, and each one left a lasting impression. In track and field, the sheer speed and grace of the athletes were breathtaking. Team USA dominated the athletics competitions, winning the most gold medals, showcasing a deep boat of talent and determination. The decathletes, with their incredible versatility, epitomized the Olympic spirit, excelling in ten distinct events, each requiring a unique skill set. Watching them compete was a reminder of the years of hard work and dedication they poured into their training. To be able to achieve the great performances they delivered. The water sports events were equally mesmerizing. The athletes displayed not only physical prowess but also artistry and precision. In particular, watching the U.S. synchronized swimming team perform was awe-inspiring, their routines a perfect blend of athleticism and creativity. Similarly, the U.S. rowing teams brought home multiple medals, emphasizing the teamwork and endurance that are hallmarks of Olympic competition. Volleyball and basketball were another highlight of my Olympic experience. The energy of the games was palpable, with players pushing their limits in pursuit of victory. The U.S. women's basketball team made history by becoming the first to win eight straight gold medals, a testament to their skill and determination. I found myself on the edge of my seat, shouting encouragement and celebrating their achievements as if I were right there on the court with them. Then there was gymnastics, where Simone Biles continued to define greatness. With 11 Olympic medals to her name—seven of which are gold— solidifying herself as the second most decorated womens’ gymnast with the achievement. Her performances inspired me and countless others, reminding us of the power of perseverance and hard work. Biles's ability to push the boundaries of her sport while advocating for mental health makes her journey all the more remarkable. In conclusion, while I find it challenging to choose a favorite athlete from this year's Olympics, the shared experience of rooting for Team USA, steeped in family tradition, is what truly resonates with me. The culture in my household during the Olympics is thrilling and animated, filled with pride and excitement. Each athlete’s journey adds to the rich array of Olympic history, and I am grateful to witness and celebrate their incredible achievements. Whether in track and field, decathlon, basketball, or gymnastics, each competitor has left an indelible mark, and I look forward to cheering them on in the future.

As a rising student and first African American citizen I’ve run into my fair share of roadblocks. My life is based of that though so I don’t really let it shock me. I’ve literally started at death into the face but still didn’t surrender. I’ve come from the Waving Windy City of Chicago and the Southside where it a passive war zone. Growing up with all brothers(five brothers) in a small apartments two room apartment with no father’s present. Was an instant step into poverty and most of all the ghettos. But I was always different, the street life, the frolicking, and loitering outside all day never appealed to me. Even though it was always a step to the right of me, I was never enticed no matter how broke we were. To stay away from the streets my mother had my brothers and I in sports year round. I disliked it because it took me away from one of my favorite hobbies reading. But as I grew into sports and myself as an individual. I found I developed a discipline, an even rawer attitude, and greater awareness to things. I was sounded my self around likeminded individuals and several great mentors, during my high school development. They opened my eyes to many more options and opportunities. But the environment catches up to everyone one, even the innocent bystanders. The high school I chose required me to take many forms of public transportation everyday. So I’ve had to overcome being attacked, harassed, and even traumatized at the pursuit of education. As a strong and stubborn person some things don’t really get to weigh on me. I strive to look forward in life so I don’t allow it. But it’s different, when you see your life flash before your very eyes. My situation had me in a close experience with death, where I was almost gunned down. This situation led me down a rabbit hole and a stent of ptsd. During the summer of my freshman year of college. My heart and brain was in shambles, I had just seen my dreams go down in dripping blood. I was shook and broken. My mentor and mother gave me spiritual hope and helped led me into my first semester of college. That experience made me realize and cherish my inner drive to push for the limits. As long as I could remember, I always wanted to do and go somewhere with my potential. Even though the encounter left me with a scar to this day, it inspired me even more. To Create something for me and my community. I decided long ago that I was going to have a community center built in my hometown. After seeing the impact it had on the youth I find it very affective for young kid in a very dangerous and arduous environment. Children need a safe environment, where they can connect, relax, socialize, and de stress from their everyday surroundings.

Providing for five boys while being homeless would be difficult for any single parent. But it takes a warrior to not succumb to the pressure. My mother is one of only three in my family who have taken some form of higher education. She’s the one person who motivates me to do more and dreams bigger than I can imagine. She has given me the vision and fire to pursue better for my future. I plan to break this stream of poverty and reliance on government aid that has plagued my family. She is a mother of five and has to overwork rendering her body unable to support them. I still remember vividly when my brothers and I had to box all of our things in our vintage minivan. Months later my uncle passed away, causing grief and shock to everyone. My heart yearned for an answer. Why us?.. What’ve we done? These thoughts haunted me when I was young. I wouldn't say I like those memories but I further realize that they ultimately shaped who I am. But it didn't hinder her; she moved us back into her parent's house and went back to school to pursue the passion she had always neglected. She's inspired me to take the initiative and put myself in the best position I can. But during the harsh quarantine, my sophomore year, I struggled to cope with the crisis, and what was happening to those close to me. As I looked into myself, I found ways to redirect my negative energy and dejection. I started doing hours of research on my interests, values, and colleges. Business school is the best fit, due to my creativity, my curiosity, and my visualization of the future. It’s where I’ll have time to create bonds and also network. The essential thing is to network, you can only get so far alone, I know this. So I'm striving to group like-minded young future leaders to create something amazing and life-changing. In my studies in business and economics, instead of worrying about making money and sending it back-home. So I put my trust in the School of Business and make an investment on my future. Build enough equity to become my own boss, to help my family, as well as other communities like mine. Becoming someone others can look up to and rely on. It is my intention to stay on the narrow path to raise the bar in my family. I value making a positive impact on others around me and making a difference. Enabling young Black youth to stray away from the stereotypes placed since birth and to show them they can achieve more than what society has told them. This all starts with me. So I’m pursuing a business degree to have the tools to support, travel, and start my own legacy.