Entering college as an 18-year-old marked the commencement of a profoundly transformative chapter in my life. This milestone, however, was the culmination of a turbulent journey through high school, where I encountered obstacles that I had to overcome. These challenges included battling against racism, resisting the pull of gangs, and chaotic home life . Despite these hardships, I stood resolute in my refusal to partake in marijuana or alcohol consumption, even in the face of mockery, ridicule, and ad hominem attacks from peers. At one point, I found myself associating with gang members, and my temper did not help. While I refrained from drug-related activities, my proximity to the gang lifestyle exposed me to dangerous situations, ultimately threatening my life. It was during this period that I received what I can only describe as divine messages, conveyed through vivid dreams and the prophetic words of various individuals. These messages forewarned me that if I failed to extricate myself from this perilous path, I would inevitably become a victim of gun violence. Growing up, I witnessed domestic violence and alcoholism. These toxic behaviors, exhibited by my parents, served as a backdrop to my formative years, further underscoring the necessity for me to break free from the cycle of adversity. Tragically, some of my close friends fell victim to gun violence, an experience that left indelible scars on my consciousness. The transience of my early life is also worth noting; I moved a total of eight times, spanning from San Diego to Memphis, then back to San Diego, and subsequently to the Inland Empire and Los Angeles. Nevertheless, I stayed on course. Upon my arrival in college, my perseverance began to yield positive outcomes, albeit temporarily. However, the year 2019 brought about a significant setback when my father's actions left me financially adrift, leaving me to fend for myself and navigate the complexities of paying for housing. I took on the responsibility of juggling two part-time jobs alongside a demanding course load of five classes. The weight of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with lingering emotional distress from a painful romantic setbacks, took a substantial toll on my mental well-being. Undaunted, I continued to overwork myself for an extended period. In addition to my academic commitments, I remained dedicated to community service through my organization and concurrently embarked on an internship at Northwestern Mutual, a commitment that bore fruit as I earned recognition through the receipt of two awards and a #6 ranking for my contributions to the field of life insurance. These achievements notwithstanding, financial concerns remained a constant source of stress in my life. The overwhelming stress I endured eventually took a severe toll on my health, culminating in a hospitalization that lasted four days, beginning on July 8, 2023, during which I received a diagnosis of B12 anemia. I am currently in the process of recovery, a journey that has seen me shed 20 pounds in weight. While navigating the path of rehabilitation, I remain steadfast in my commitment to my educational pursuits, all the while actively brainstorming ways to assist future students in surmounting the formidable challenges that lie ahead in their academic journeys. My goal is to establish a nonprofit organization with the primary mission of providing essential support to students who, like myself, find themselves in a situation where they require assistance, yet do not qualify for certain government programs. The economic landscape is harsh, particularly for young adults, and I believe it is my duty to offer opportunities to my generation and the ones that will follow, thus affording them the chance to lead fulfilling lives

According to Ecclesiastes 10:19 "Money answereth all things". The biggest thing I've learned about money is that most of society's stress is financial. Imagine a life where you have healthcare, life insurance, a paid-off car, a paid-off home or affordable rent, savings, lucrative investments, and the leisure of vacationing at will. Car problems? No biggie. Medical expenses? taken care of. Safe neighborhood with great schooling for your family? Done. Most of our problems can be solved with immediate access to cash. Money is measured in two ways. Quality and time. People who quickly require money without much effort aren't heartbroken when they lose it because they know they will get it back. But when you have spent a tremendous amount of time and effort earning your dollar, it's hard to let it go. It's hard to take risks. It is also hard to live a stress-free life. This is where you adapt the survival mentality that kills your quality of life. I learned this the hard way. As a student, I juggled five classes, an internship running a financial practice, and worked two part-time jobs to pay bills living in one of the most expensive cities in the world, Los Angeles. I ran on 4 hours of sleep. Due to my heavy workload and external factors in my personal life. I ended up in the hospital with a stress-related disorder known as pernicious anemia. I needed two pints of blood. I realized that I had run myself into the ground chasing money to get ahead, only to barely keep up. I realized then that I had some serious career decisions to make. I was always chasing the grind, pushing myself to the limit. I ignored my mental health in pursuit of money. I then began to have more compassion and understanding for business owners and employees. I stopped judging people for drinking, playing video games after work, or binge-watching a Netflix show. I had to learn to do things that calmed my rushing mind. I now have a new financial goal. I want financial autonomy. I want to make money how I want to. I need to control money instead of allowing it to control me. As a financial representative, I've learned a lot about technical finances and concepts. I've familiarized myself with mutual funds, hedge funds, annuities, Life Insurance, etc. But life has taught me financial philosophy. Money cost. It costs time, quality of life, and even your health. That is why my goal is to structure my income to give me the freedom I want while maintaining my health and mental health.

"Suits" has gained a devoted following and has often been praised for its compelling characters, sharp dialogue, and engaging storyline. Its popularity can be attributed to several key factors that make it stand out as one of the best shows on Netflix. Firstly, the show contains a cast of well-developed characters who are both relatable and intriguing. The dynamic between Harvey Specter and Mike Ross forms the core of the series, showcasing their mentor-mentee relationship and the challenges they face in a high-stakes legal environment. This character-driven narrative draws viewers in, allowing them to emotionally invest in the characters' journeys. Secondly, the writing of "Suits" is noteworthy for its clever and witty dialogue. The sharp exchanges between characters, particularly Harvey's quick wit and Mike's astute observations, contribute to the show's engaging atmosphere. The legal drama genre can often become tiresome, but "Suits" manages to keep its audience entertained with its snappy conversations. Additionally, the show offers a unique blend of legal drama, personal relationships, and workplace dynamics. While the legal cases provide intrigue and tension, the exploration of the characters' personal lives and struggles adds depth to the storyline. This balance between professional challenges and personal growth keeps the narrative multifaceted and relatable to a wide audience. Furthermore, "Suits" stands out for its portrayal of the legal world. The complexities of law firms, court proceedings, and negotiations are presented in a way that forces your attention, offering viewers a glimpse into the fast-paced and competitive nature of the legal profession. This aspect of the show contributes to its authenticity and educational value. Lastly, the show's longevity and consistent quality across its seasons have contributed to its status as one of the best shows on Netflix. With multiple seasons available, viewers can binge-watch and become deeply immersed in the lives of the characters. The show's ability to maintain its intrigue and entertainment value over time speaks to its strong writing, direction, and acting. In conclusion, "Suits" earns its reputation as one of the best shows on Netflix due to its well-developed characters, clever dialogue, engaging storyline, authentic portrayal of the legal world, and consistent quality. Its ability to balance legal drama with personal relationships and workplace dynamics creates a captivating viewing experience that has resonated with audiences around the world. This is an all-around series for viewers who like emotional drama and intellectual development. It's a show that puts a magnifying glass on the complex drama of people's personal lives and provokes thoughts with the strategic tactics used by the characters of the show.

In 2016, my childhood friend, the first friend I remember having, was murdered in front of his home at the age of 18. His name was Greggory Davis. I reminisced about our days as kids in the neighborhood of Southeast San Diego, an area known for gang violence. At the time of his death, I was 16. I was on the football team, competing for an athletic scholarship. I stayed in class, studying, trying to accomplish the goal of being admitted into a 4-year university. Although I was on the straight and narrow path, I still chose to affiliate with some people that lead a dangerous life. I had one foot in academics and athletics, and another foot in street life. My parents moved my sister and me from San Diego and Memphis to get away from the dangers of gang violence. I remember hearing gunshots, seeing dead bodies, and finding shell casings on the street while playing outside. We moved to the Murrieta and Temecula area. Other people from ghettos outside of Murrieta moved there in hopes to create a better life for themselves. Others moved to the Inland Empire on a voucher due to the bigger cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego, gentrifying their communities. Greggory stayed while I left. We kept in touch from time to time. By his senior year, Greggory had already joined a Gang. As a result of his lifestyle, his life was cut short on August 2nd, 2016 on 61st and Alderly. I remember seeing his white casket. My aunt was his Godmother. We mourned and comforted each other. However, I began to notice all of the gang members at his funeral. That's when it hit me. I realized that I hung around the same type of people. It dawned on me that this could've easily been me. Sadly, it took the murder of two more friends and an attempt on my life itself, for me to commit to my future as a scholar and businessman. It wasn't easy but I managed I cut off all of my friends who were involved in gangs and criminal activities. I had to rearrange my mind. I had to denounce all street culture. I began to grow to disdain the culture I idolized since I was 3 years old. I remembered the words of my father and grandmother. I began to pull from the wisdom I soaked up from the words of Malcolm X, Dr. King, and Louis Farrakhan as a child. I began to remember bible verses taught to me as I read more. I began to understand the message of Nipsey Hussle(RIP) even more. I've always looked up to him. His death propelled me to my purpose as well. I began to listen to people like Kevin Samuels(RIP) speak about the image of the Black man. I began dressing differently which lead to different treatment. Better treatment. I didn't get harassed by the police anymore. I set out to become a better image for black men. We are businessmen, inventors, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, tradesmen, and professionals. Through the example of my success, I want to fight the toxic culture of GangBanging and streetlife that has taken hundreds of thousands of people who look like me away from their families, left children fatherless, caused mass incarceration, destroyed futures, separated families, and wiped out entire bloodlines. Change starts with the renewal of the mind. Frederick Douglas stated, "It is better to raise strong children than to fix broken men". I will start with the minds of our future.

My father and stepfather both served 10 years in the U.S. Navy. Both of them came from poverty. One grew up in 1980s North Philidelphia and the other in Columbia, South Carolina. Because of this, expectations in my home were high. The things that were installed in them in the Navy such as discipline, time management, alertness, and preparation were also installed in me. I remember being obsessed with the military as a child. I could tell you the name of every U.S. Navy ship. fighter jet, gun, etc. The military has a special place in my heart. I remember being a 4-year-old on Camp Pendleton(the largest military base in California), seeing all of the soldiers, and being in the barracks with wit my father. I saw men and women who respected each other and their higher authorities. My stepfather showed me some of the medals he won during the 1991 gulf war. I couldn't help but think about how my stepfather (I call him Dad), contributed to history and has something to show for it. Because of my stepfather's Naval background, he emphasized productivity. He taught me to figure it out even if no one is willing to help me. And although he did not require it of me, I've learned that sir and ma'am will take you a long way. The military is about service. This is why I wanted to do something that serves people effectively. I wanted the responsibility of helping people feel safe and secure. This is why I chose to come a financial representative and future CFP. Protecting people from financial burdens through tough times such as death, recessions, and tax time is what I take pride in. You must be sharp, attentive, a thorough listener, and have character for people to trust you with their livelihood. Similar to the military, people put their lives in your hands in a way. They rely on you as a professional to educate them. My stepfather told me that being in the Navy educated him about the world. He learned more about world events, and different cultures, and was able to travel. I wanted to do the same. I wanted to connect with different people from all walks of life and travel. I wanted to have a broad but thorough understanding of the things that make the world function. I was able to do all of this as a college financial representative. Seeing my father and stepdad's success in the military and the men they have become because of it, helped me make the career decision that I made.

Dr. Myles Munroe once said, "When you become angry, a leader is born".With the outbreak of covid and the death of George Floyed, we saw millennials and Gen Z resist in a way we've never seen before. There were worldwide protests led by folks from different cultures, races, and backgrounds. As someone who is a GenZ, I will admit I am concerned for our future. You see there are two key elements needed to maintain and save society as we know it. The first thing is progressiveness. Without new inventions, ideas, cultures, and philosophies, nothing will change. Progress is the friend of humanity. The second thing is conservatism. We must look at what has consistently sustained the human race for thousands of years, repeating what has been proven to work, and staying grounded in common sense. We must realize that "life is not either or, it's both and"(Royce White). To understand the attitude of millennials and GenZ, let's look at the rhetorical analysis. Boomers love to complain that we(GenZ) lack valuable skills. Well, I challenge that and agree. You see GenZ has skills that apply to the current world we are moving toward. A technological world will leave people who aren't tech-savvy in a rough spot. However, human nature will always be human nature. We will always desire interaction, physical touch, and intimacy. As a 23-year-old, I believe I was a part of the last outside generation. I don't see younger kids outside anymore. This is a problem. Outside is where you learn conflict resolution. Outside is where you learn how to fight. It's where you learn to take rejection because some of the kids don't want to let you play. Standing up to a bully, becoming athletic, riding a bike, and healthy competition all come from being outside. These are seeds that are not being planted and cultivated in this new generation. Because of parents' lack of monitoring technology, it's all kids know. Maybe this is what the baby boomers speak of. Are we a generation that lacks soft skills? Another thing to consider is the number of opportunities boomers had. They were introduced to this new thing called the American Dream. Inflation did not outpace income growth at the rate it is currently. You could get a pension. Homes were affordable. People had trades and skills that they learned in school. Today, most of those trades have been taken out of our curriculum or have been made not mandatory. People were incentivized to do the right thing. Families were intact. Life was pretty good in the '50s and '60s (unless you were black of course). You see this is a part of the reason gen z rebels against boomers. In our eyes, boomers had all of the opportunities, while at the same time their silent generation parents, took others' rights away. They had bootstraps to pull themselves up by. That's hard to do when you don't have boots. I believe GenZ doesn't want anything easy. We want reasonable. I remember working at a storage and truck rental company. I was injured on the job. My left finger was shredded to the white, swollen, and unable to bend. I only received three days of workers comp. I was still unable to bend my finger when I was cleared to work again while at the same time being admitted to the hospital for pernicious anemia. I needed two pints of blood. This was due to the stress of taking 5 classes, working two part-time jobs, an internship as an insurance agent, volunteering, and personal reasons. I did not receive paid leave. I've heard worse. A family member told me a man's finger was cut halfway off at his job and he was cleared to work two days later. He later sued them. I am unsure if he won but the moral of the story is that Gen Z and millennials are sick of being paid minimum wage to work in unsettling work conditions for companies who don't value our lives. An extreme on either side is a recipe for destruction. We need people who aren't politicians, but negotiators. People who can chew the meat and spit out the bones. Balance is what will sustain and save our world. Without it, there is no freedom. Extremism has never been good for society. Unity and willingness to have open and respectful dialogue is the first step to creating real solutions. The greatest inventions in my opinion are death and wisdom. Death, because it makes room for the new. And wisdom, because it allows us to continue the great things done by the prior living.

Entering college as an 18-year-old was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Throughout high school, I overcame a lot of obstacles including racism, gangs, and sex out of marriage. I resisted marijuana and alcohol consumption. Because of this, I was ridiculed, laughed at, and thrown ad hominems. At one point, I began to hang out with gang members. I was great with my fist. And I sold everything but drugs. Although I wasn't in a gang, my association brought things into my life that almost lead to my death. The Lord spoke to me through dreams, various prophets, and prophetess, that if I did not separate myself, I would be gunned down. I had every right to become a menace. I saw domestic violence in my home, alcoholism, and toxic behaviors from my parents. A few of my friends were gunned down. I moved a total of 8 times throughout my life. I moved from San Diego to Memphis, back to San Diego, to the Inland Empire, then to Los Angeles. I stayed focused. Once I got to college, things began to fall into place for a little while. Until around 2019, when my father took money from me leaving me to figure out how I would pay to live in housing. I picked up 2 jobs. Covid took a toll on my mental health and I was still recovering from a romantic heartbreak. I overworking myself for years. I took 5 classes, worked 2 part-time jobs, did community work with my organization, and built a life insurance practice as an intern at Northwestern Mutual, where I won 2 awards. I was succeeding, but money was still a concern. The extreme amount of stress landed me in the hospital for 4 days on July 8, 2023. I developed pernicious anemia. I am currently recovering and trying to eliminate stress from my life. I have lost 20 pounds since then. I continue on my journey through school, thinking of ideas to help those who will come after me, get through school. I want to start a nonprofit that provides housing, grants, food, and resources to students who may need help but do not qualify for certain programs. This economy is not kind to young adults. It is because of this, I owe my generation and the one after us a chance to have a fulfilling life.