When I walked into my new school for the first time after moving to a new town, I couldn't help but feel like an orange in a bowl of bananas. It was the middle of 4th grade when I moved from Los Angeles to the Boston suburbs. It was the first time I felt like a minority. I felt like I didn’t belong and struggled to find my place in my new community. As a person of color in a predominantly white community, I have faced many challenges. I’ve had experiences that I’ve never shared until now. However, I’m eager to share how those experiences have taught me the importance of determination, respect, innovation, versatility, equality, and nurture. I’ve been playing football since kindergarten. Football, along with my grades and hard work, helped get me into college. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. In the months leading up to freshman year, a few upperclassmen teammates used racial slurs and told me to go back to the city even though I lived in the same neighborhood they did. These were players who others looked up to. They were popular and the coaches were always applauding them. Did they know how they were treating me? I questioned whether I wanted to be a part of a team where I didn't feel welcomed and perhaps it was best to just keep myself at bay. However, I refused to let the actions of a few individuals dictate my future or ability to pursue my passions. So I mustered up the guts to walk on the field that first day of training camp. Despite the initial challenges, I was able to find a sense of belonging on the team. While two of those upperclassmen players ended up becoming captains during my junior year, I didn’t let that discourage me. I continued to work hard to foster a culture of teamwork. I believe that every member of the team has an important role to play and that we are all responsible for each other's success. At the end of their senior year, one of those captains came to me to apologize. While it was brief, it was clear that he was seeking my approval and forgiveness. I was then nominated by the team to be varsity captain my senior year. I used my experience to take proactive steps to create an environment and culture in our community that is welcoming and inclusive to all, regardless of race or background. I made a commitment to my peers, specifically my teammates of color, and became their mentor. Most of them aren’t fortunate to live in my town and have the support at home as I do. Many are part of a program that provides inner-city students the opportunity for a better education at a better school. The program also allows students within our community to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially diverse setting. I took them under my wing and taught them how to find their place. I emphasized the importance of making the right choices and avoiding trouble even when faced with peer pressure or negative influences. They’ve had a direct impact on the evolution of our team’s culture and our community. This experience has motivated me to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable community. It has set a strong foundation for my future and to influence what is right. I am DRIVEN and I appreciate your time and consideration for this scholarship.

When I walked into my new school for the first time after moving to a new town, I couldn't help but feel like an orange in a bowl of bananas. It was the middle of 4th grade when I moved from Los Angeles to the Boston suburbs. It was the first time I felt like a minority. I felt like I didn’t belong and struggled to find my place in my new community. As a person of color in a predominantly white community, I have faced many challenges. I’ve had experiences that I’ve never shared until now. However, I’m eager to share how those experiences have taught me the importance of working toward peace and setting a positive example for my community. I could list off my resume and all the leadership roles I’ve held, captain of the varsity football team, member of the Link Crew, and SADD Club. I could tell you about my volunteer experience with organizations including the food pantry, collecting backpacks and student supplies, toiletries, and cleaning supply donations for women's shelters. But I’d prefer to share a story for you to better understand my character and why I care so much about my community and helping others. I’ve been playing football since kindergarten. Football, along with my grades and hard work, helped get me into college. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. In the months leading up to freshman year, a few upperclassmen teammates used racial slurs and told me to go back to the city even though I lived in the same neighborhood they did. These were players who others looked up to. They were popular and the coaches were always applauding them. Did they know how they were treating me? I questioned whether I wanted to be a part of a team where I didn't feel welcomed and perhaps it was best to just keep myself at bay. However, I refused to let the actions of a few individuals dictate my future or ability to pursue my passions. So I mustered up the guts to walk on the field that first day of training camp. Despite the initial challenges, I was able to find a sense of belonging on the team. While two of those upperclassmen players ended up becoming captains during my junior year, I didn’t let that discourage me. I continued to work hard to foster a culture of teamwork. At the end of their senior year, one of those captains came to me to apologize. While it was brief, it was clear that he was seeking my approval and forgiveness and then nominated me for varsity captain my senior year. As captain, I made a commitment to my peers, specifically my teammates of color. Many aren’t fortunate to live in our town and have support at home. Many are part of a program that provides inner-city students the opportunity for a better education. The program also allows students within our community to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially diverse setting. I took them under my wing and taught them how to find their place. I emphasized the importance of making the right choices and avoiding trouble even when faced with peer pressure or negative influences. They’ve had a direct impact on the evolution of our team’s culture and our community. This experience has motivated me to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable community. It has set a strong foundation for my future and to influence what is right. Thank you for your consideration.

When I walked into my new school for the first time after moving to a new town, I couldn't help but feel like an orange in a bowl of bananas. It was the middle of 4th grade when I moved from Los Angeles to the Boston suburbs. It was the first time I felt like a minority. I felt like I didn’t belong and struggled to find my place in my new community. As a person of color in a predominantly white community, I have faced many challenges. I’ve had experiences that I’ve never shared until now. However, I’m eager to share how those experiences have taught me the importance of working toward peace, having empathy, and setting a positive example for my friends, family, and community. I’ve been playing football since kindergarten. Football, along with my grades and hard work, helped get me into college. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. In the months leading up to freshman year, a few upperclassmen teammates used racial slurs and told me to go back to the city even though I lived in the same neighborhood they did. These were players who others looked up to. They were popular and the coaches were always applauding them. Did they know how they were treating me? I questioned whether I wanted to be a part of a team where I didn't feel welcomed and perhaps it was best to just keep myself at bay. However, I refused to let the actions of a few individuals dictate my future or ability to pursue my passions. So I mustered up the guts to walk on the field that first day of training camp. Despite the initial challenges, I was able to find a sense of belonging on the team. While two of those upperclassmen players ended up becoming captains during my junior year, I didn’t let that discourage me. I continued to work hard to foster a culture of teamwork. I believe that every member of the team has an important role to play and that we are all responsible for each other's success. At the end of their senior year, one of those captains came to me to apologize. While it was brief, it was clear that he was seeking my approval and forgiveness. I was then nominated by the team to be varsity captain my senior year. I used my experience to take proactive steps to create an environment and culture in our community that is welcoming and inclusive to all, regardless of race or background. I made a commitment to my peers, specifically my teammates of color, and became their mentor. Most of them aren’t fortunate to live in my town and have the support at home as I do. Many are part of a program that provides inner-city students the opportunity for a better education at a better school. The program also allows students within our community to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially diverse setting. I took them under my wing and taught them how to find their place. I emphasized the importance of making the right choices and avoiding trouble even when faced with peer pressure or negative influences. They’ve had a direct impact on the evolution of our team’s culture and our community. This experience has motivated me to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable community. It has set a strong foundation for my future and to influence what is right. Thank you for your consideration.

When I walked into my new school for the first time after moving to a new town, I couldn't help but feel like an orange in a bowl of bananas. It was the middle of 4th grade when I moved from Los Angeles to the Boston suburbs. It was the first time I felt like a minority. I felt like I didn’t belong and struggled to find my place in my new community. As a person of color in a predominantly white community, I have faced many challenges. I’ve had experiences that I’ve never shared until now. However, I’m eager to share how those experiences have taught me the importance of working toward peace, having empathy, and setting a positive example for my friends, family, and community. I’ve been playing football since kindergarten. Football, along with my grades and hard work, helped get me into college. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. In the months leading up to freshman year, a few upperclassmen teammates used racial slurs and told me to go back to the city even though I lived in the same neighborhood they did. These were players who others looked up to. They were popular and the coaches were always applauding them. Did they know how they were treating me? I questioned whether I wanted to be a part of a team where I didn't feel welcomed and perhaps it was best to just keep myself at bay. However, I refused to let the actions of a few individuals dictate my future or ability to pursue my passions. So I mustered up the guts to walk on the field that first day of training camp. Despite the initial challenges, I was able to find a sense of belonging on the team. While two of those upperclassmen players ended up becoming captains during my junior year, I didn’t let that discourage me. I continued to work hard to foster a culture of teamwork. I believe that every member of the team has an important role to play and that we are all responsible for each other's success. At the end of their senior year, one of those captains came to me to apologize. While it was brief, it was clear that he was seeking my approval and forgiveness. I was then nominated by the team to be varsity captain my senior year. I used my experience to take proactive steps to create an environment and culture in our community that is welcoming and inclusive to all, regardless of race or background. I made a commitment to my peers, specifically my teammates of color, and became their mentor. Most of them aren’t fortunate to live in my town and have the support at home as I do. Many are part of a program that provides inner-city students the opportunity for a better education at a better school. The program also allows students within our community to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially diverse setting. I took them under my wing and taught them how to find their place. I emphasized the importance of making the right choices and avoiding trouble even when faced with peer pressure or negative influences. They’ve had a direct impact on the evolution of our team’s culture and our community. This experience has motivated me to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable community. It has set a strong foundation for my future in law enforcement and to influence what is right. Thank you for your consideration.

When I walked into my new school for the first time after moving to a new town, I couldn't help but feel like an orange in a bowl of bananas. It was the middle of 4th grade when I moved from Los Angeles to the Boston suburbs. It was the first time I felt like a minority. I felt like I didn’t belong and struggled to find my place in my new community. As a person of color in a predominantly white community, I have faced many challenges. I’ve had experiences that I’ve never shared until now. However, I’m eager to share how those experiences have taught me the importance of working toward peace, having empathy, and setting a positive example for my friends, family, and community. I’ve been playing football since kindergarten. Football, along with my grades and hard work, helped get me into college. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. In the months leading up to freshman year, a few upperclassmen teammates used racial slurs and told me to go back to the city even though I lived in the same neighborhood they did. These were players who others looked up to. They were popular and the coaches were always applauding them. Did they know how they were treating me? I questioned whether I wanted to be a part of a team where I didn't feel welcomed and perhaps it was best to just keep myself at bay. However, I refused to let the actions of a few individuals dictate my future or ability to pursue my passions. So I mustered up the guts to walk on the field that first day of training camp. Despite the initial challenges, I was able to find a sense of belonging on the team. While two of those upperclassmen players ended up becoming captains during my junior year, I didn’t let that discourage me. I continued to work hard to foster a culture of teamwork. I believe that every member of the team has an important role to play and that we are all responsible for each other's success. At the end of their senior year, one of those captains came to me to apologize. While it was brief, it was clear that he was seeking my approval and forgiveness. I was then nominated by the team to be varsity captain my senior year. I used my experience to take proactive steps to create an environment and culture in our community that is welcoming and inclusive to all, regardless of race or background. I made a commitment to my peers, specifically my teammates of color, and became their mentor. Most of them aren’t fortunate to live in my town and have the support at home as I do. Many are part of a program that provides inner-city students the opportunity for a better education at a better school. The program also allows students within our community to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially diverse setting. I took them under my wing and taught them how to find their place. I emphasized the importance of making the right choices and avoiding trouble even when faced with peer pressure or negative influences. They’ve had a direct impact on the evolution of our team’s culture and our community. This experience has motivated me to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable community. It has set a strong foundation for my future in criminal justice and to influence what is right. Thank you for your consideration.

It was the middle of 5th grade when my mother and I moved to the east coast from Venice, California, a diverse, free-spirited neighborhood in Los Angeles. As a black student in a primarily white school, it was the first time I felt like a minority. It was hard to feel like I was a part of the community, but I found my way through football. Playing football has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. I have learned that success does not come easily, and I have developed a strong work ethic, and a ‘never give up’ attitude that I apply not only on the field but also in my academic and personal life. As a student, I’ve maintained over a 4.0 GPA while challenging myself academically. In the fall I'm attending a school that meets my academic goals while having the opportunity to continue playing football. As a football player, I’m a two-year varsity starter and earned the role of varsity captain. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. In the months leading up to Freshman year, some of my teammates and upperclassmen bullied me because of the color of my skin. It depleted my confidence and I decided to just keep myself at bay and not join the team. Had I not mustered up the guts to walk on that field on the first day of training camp, I wouldn’t have had the experiences that I needed to grow into the person I am today. That’s when I made the commitment to my peers. Specifically, my teammates who make the daily commute from the city as part of a program that allows students of color to attend primarily white school districts creating the opportunity to learn in a racially diverse setting. While I have the privilege to live in our town and have a strong support system at home, they aren't as fortunate. But as young black men, I took them under my wing, kept them out of trouble, helped them adjust to working with the coaching staff, and made positive contributions to our community. They’ve had a direct impact on the evolution of our team’s culture and paved the way for future students of color. Being a student-athlete has been a transformative experience that has helped me grow as a responsible, respectful, and motivated person. I’ve learned that I have the potential to positively impact so many people. While the color of my skin has been a barrier, it is also a launching pad to use the experience and skills I’ve gained to continue to be a role model.

It was the middle of 5th grade when my mother and I moved to the east coast from Venice, California, a diverse, free-spirited neighborhood in Los Angeles. As a black student in a primarily white school, it was the first time I felt like a minority. It was hard to feel like I was a part of the community, but I found my way through football. Playing football has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. I have learned that success does not come easily, and I have developed a strong work ethic, and a ‘never give up’ attitude that I apply not only on the field but also in my academic and personal life. As a student, I’ve maintained over a 4.0 GPA while challenging myself academically. In the fall I'm attending a school that meets my academic goals while having the opportunity to continue playing football. As a football player, I’m a two-year varsity starter and earned the role of varsity captain. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. In the months leading up to Freshman year, some of my teammates and upperclassmen bullied me because of the color of my skin. It depleted my confidence and I decided to just keep myself at bay and not join the team. Had I not mustered up the guts to walk on that field on the first day of training camp, I wouldn’t have had the experiences that I needed to grow into the person I am today. That’s when I made the commitment to my peers. Specifically, my teammates who make the daily commute from the city as part of a program that allows students of color to attend primarily white school districts creating the opportunity to learn in a racially diverse setting. While I have the privilege to live in our town and have a strong support system at home, they aren't as fortunate. But as young black men, I took them under my wing, kept them out of trouble, helped them adjust to working with the coaching staff, and made positive contributions to our community. They’ve had a direct impact on the evolution of our team’s culture and paved the way for future students of color. Being a student-athlete has been a transformative experience that has helped me grow as a responsible, respectful, and motivated person. I’ve learned that I have the potential to positively impact so many people. While the color of my skin has been a barrier, it is also a launching pad to use the experience and skills I’ve gained to continue to be a role model.

It was the middle of 5th grade when my mother and I moved to the east coast from Venice, California, a diverse, free-spirited neighborhood in Los Angeles. As a black student in a primarily white school, it was the first time I felt like a minority. It was hard to feel like I was a part of the community, but I found my way through football. Playing football has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. I have learned that success does not come easily, and I have developed a strong work ethic, and a ‘never give up’ attitude that I apply not only on the field but also in my academic and personal life. As a student, I’ve maintained over a 4.0 GPA while challenging myself academically. In the fall I'm attending a school that meets my academic goals while having the opportunity to continue playing football. As a football player, I’m a two-year varsity starter and earned the role of varsity captain. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. In the months leading up to Freshman year, some of my teammates and upperclassmen bullied me because of the color of my skin. It depleted my confidence and I decided to just keep myself at bay and not join the team. Had I not mustered up the guts to walk on that field on the first day of training camp, I wouldn’t have had the experiences that I needed to grow into the person I am today. That’s when I made the commitment to my peers. Specifically, my teammates who make the daily commute from the city as part of a program that allows students of color to attend primarily white school districts creating the opportunity to learn in a racially diverse setting. While I have the privilege to live in our town and have a strong support system at home, they aren't as fortunate. But as young black men, I took them under my wing, kept them out of trouble, helped them adjust to working with the coaching staff, and made positive contributions to our community. They’ve had a direct impact on the evolution of our team’s culture and paved the way for future students of color. Being a student-athlete has been a transformative experience that has helped me grow as a responsible, respectful, and motivated person. I’ve learned that I have the potential to positively impact so many people. While the color of my skin has been a barrier, it is also a launching pad to use the experience and skills I’ve gained to continue to be a role model.

It was the middle of 5th grade when my mother and I moved to the east coast from Venice, California, a diverse, free-spirited neighborhood in Los Angeles. As a black student in a primarily white school, it was the first time I felt like a minority. It was hard to feel like I was a part of the community, but I found my way through football. Playing football has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. I have learned that success does not come easily, and I have developed a strong work ethic, and a ‘never give up’ attitude that I apply not only on the field but also in my academic and personal life. As a student, I’ve maintained over a 4.0 GPA while challenging myself academically. In the fall I'm attending a school that meets my academic goals while having the opportunity to continue playing football. As a football player, I’m a two-year varsity starter and earned the role of varsity captain. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. In the months leading up to Freshman year, some of my teammates and upperclassmen bullied me because of the color of my skin. It depleted my confidence and I decided to just keep myself at bay and not join the team. Had I not mustered up the guts to walk on that field on the first day of training camp, I wouldn’t have had the experiences that I needed to grow into the person I am today. That’s when I made the commitment to my peers. Specifically, my teammates who make the daily commute from the city as part of a program that allows students of color to attend primarily white school districts creating the opportunity to learn in a racially diverse setting. While I have the privilege to live in our town and have a strong support system at home, they aren't as fortunate. But as young black men, I took them under my wing, kept them out of trouble, helped them adjust to working with the coaching staff, and made positive contributions to our community. They’ve had a direct impact on the evolution of our team’s culture and paved the way for future students of color. Being a student-athlete has been a transformative experience that has helped me grow as a responsible, respectful, and motivated person. I’ve learned that I have the potential to positively impact so many people. While the color of my skin has been a barrier, it is also a launching pad to use the experience and skills I’ve gained to continue to be a role model.

It was the middle of 5th grade when my mother and I moved to the east coast from Venice, California, a diverse, free-spirited neighborhood in Los Angeles. As a black student in a primarily white school, it was the first time I felt like a minority. It was hard to feel like I was a part of the community, but I found my way through football. Playing football has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. I have learned that success does not come easily, and I have developed a strong work ethic, and a ‘never give up’ attitude that I apply not only on the field but also in my academic and personal life. As a student, I’ve maintained over a 4.0 GPA while challenging myself academically. In the fall I'm attending a school that meets my academic goals while having the opportunity to continue playing football. As a football player, I’m a two-year varsity starter and earned the role of varsity captain. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. In the months leading up to Freshman year, some of my teammates and upperclassmen bullied me because of the color of my skin. It depleted my confidence and I decided to just keep myself at bay and not join the team. Had I not mustered up the guts to walk on that field on the first day of training camp, I wouldn’t have had the experiences that I needed to grow into the person I am today. That’s when I made the commitment to my peers. Specifically, my teammates who make the daily commute from the city as part of a program that allows students of color to attend primarily white school districts creating the opportunity to learn in a racially diverse setting. While I have the privilege to live in our town and have a strong support system at home, they aren't as fortunate. But as young black men, I took them under my wing, kept them out of trouble, helped them adjust to working with the coaching staff, and made positive contributions to our community. They’ve had a direct impact on the evolution of our team’s culture and paved the way for future students of color. Being a student-athlete has been a transformative experience that has helped me grow as a responsible, respectful, and motivated person. I’ve learned that I have the potential to positively impact so many people. While the color of my skin has been a barrier, it is also a launching pad to use the experience and skills I’ve gained to continue to be a role model and influence change in my community.

It was the middle of 5th grade when my mother and I moved to the east coast from Venice, California, a diverse, free-spirited neighborhood in Los Angeles. As a black student in a primarily white school, it was the first time I felt like a minority. It was hard to feel like I was a part of the community, but I found my way through football. Playing football has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. I have learned that success does not come easily, and I have developed a strong work ethic, and a ‘never give up’ attitude that I apply not only on the field but also in my academic and personal life. As a student, I’ve maintained over a 4.0 GPA while challenging myself academically. In the fall I'm attending a school that meets my academic goals while having the opportunity to continue playing football. As a football player, I’m a two-year varsity starter and earned the role of varsity captain. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. In the months leading up to Freshman year, some of my teammates and upperclassmen bullied me because of the color of my skin. It depleted my confidence and I decided to just keep myself at bay and not join the team. Had I not mustered up the guts to walk on that field on the first day of training camp, I wouldn’t have had the experiences that I needed to grow into the person I am today. That’s when I made the commitment to my peers. Specifically, my teammates who make the daily commute from the city as part of a program that allows students of color to attend primarily white school districts creating the opportunity to learn in a racially diverse setting. While I have the privilege to live in our town and have a strong support system at home, they aren't as fortunate. But as young black men, I took them under my wing, kept them out of trouble, helped them adjust to working with the coaching staff, and made positive contributions to our community. They’ve had a direct impact on the evolution of our team’s culture and paved the way for future students of color. Being a student-athlete has been a transformative experience that has helped me grow as a responsible, respectful, and motivated person. I’ve learned that I have the potential to positively impact so many people. While the color of my skin has been a barrier, it is also a launching pad to use the experience and skills I’ve gained to continue to be a role model.

It was the middle of 5th grade when my mother and I moved to the east coast from Venice, California, a diverse, free-spirited neighborhood in Los Angeles. As a black student in a primarily white school, it was the first time I felt like a minority. It was hard to feel like I was a part of the community, but I found my way through football. Playing football has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. I have learned that success does not come easily, and I have developed a strong work ethic, and a ‘never give up’ attitude that I apply not only on the field but also in my academic and personal life. As a student, I’ve maintained over a 4.0 GPA while challenging myself academically. In the fall I'm attending a school that meets my academic goals while having the opportunity to continue playing football. As a football player, I’m a two-year varsity starter and earned the role of varsity captain. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. In the months leading up to Freshman year, some of my teammates and upperclassmen bullied me because of the color of my skin. It depleted my confidence and I decided to just keep myself at bay and not join the team. Had I not mustered up the guts to walk on that field on the first day of training camp, I wouldn’t have had the experiences that I needed to grow into the person I am today. That’s when I made the commitment to my peers. Specifically, my teammates who make the daily commute from the city as part of a program that allows students of color to attend primarily white school districts creating the opportunity to learn in a racially diverse setting. While I have the privilege to live in our town and have a strong support system at home, they aren't as fortunate. But as young black men, I took them under my wing, kept them out of trouble, helped them adjust to working with the coaching staff, and made positive contributions to our community. They’ve had a direct impact on the evolution of our team’s culture and paved the way for future students of color. Being a student-athlete has been a transformative experience that has helped me grow as a responsible, respectful, and motivated person. I’ve learned that I have the potential to positively impact so many people. While the color of my skin has been a barrier, it is also a launching pad to use the experience and skills I’ve gained to continue to be a role model.

I love chocolate cake! It really is an equally important ingredient in my recipe for a healthy lifestyle. What? You don’t agree? Hear me out. One part clean eating Food is fuel. I’m conscious about the foods that I put in my body. Eating wholesome foods gives me the energy I need to focus on the things that are important to me - school, football, work, family, friends, and my community. I focus on eating a balanced amount of protein, carbs, and fats that are appropriate for my age and fitness level. If I don't eat balanced foods, I feel sluggish and get tired early in the day. Eating clean also keeps my mind clear. If I don't get in the right foods, my mind gets cloudy. One part exercise I move my body every single day. When I’m not playing football, I’m in the gym. Exercise makes me stronger and a better athlete. It also gives me the mental clarity I need to challenge myself academically. Even a game of pickup ball with my friends will keep my body moving. One part feeding my curious mind I'm curious by nature. When I am not in school, on the field, working, or volunteering, I focus my time on continuing to learn. After all, curiosity is my most defining trait. During this free time, you can find me looking up random facts, watching educational videos, or just thinking about random phenomena. I have spent many late nights going down a rabbit hole in search of learning more about space, the background of a movie series or tv show, current events, and international affairs. One part chocolate cake Now, chocolate cake is essential. Sometimes, after a long day, I need a mental break. There is so much pressure these days in high school from getting good grades to building a good resume for college, and the list goes on and on. So I eat chocolate cake! And I bake it myself. I love mixing together each ingredient. It helps clear my mind. The scent that fills my house while it bakes in the oven is like aromatherapy. And that first bite, right out of the oven, is just as good as the last. It's a treat that brings me joy. If I’m not taking care of my mental health, I’m not living a healthy lifestyle. Food. Exercise. Learning. Chocolate cake. That’s healthy living.

It was the middle of 5th grade when my mother and I moved to the east coast from Venice, California, a diverse, free-spirited neighborhood in Los Angeles. As a black student in a primarily white school, it was the first time I felt like a minority. It was hard to feel like I was a part of the community, but I found my way through football. Playing football has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. I have learned that success does not come easily, and I have developed a strong work ethic, and a ‘never give up’ attitude that I apply not only on the field but also in my academic and personal life. As a student, I’ve maintained over a 4.0 GPA while challenging myself academically. In the fall I'm attending a school that meets my academic goals while having the opportunity to continue playing football. As a football player, I’m a two-year varsity starter and earned the role of varsity captain. However, I almost didn’t play in high school. In the months leading up to Freshman year, some of my teammates and upperclassmen bullied me because of the color of my skin. It depleted my confidence and I decided to just keep myself at bay and not join the team. Had I not mustered up the guts to walk on that field on the first day of training camp, I wouldn’t have had the experiences that I needed to grow into the person I am today. That’s when I made the commitment to my peers. Specifically, my teammates who make the daily commute from the city as part of a program that allows students of color to attend primarily white school districts creating the opportunity to learn in a racially diverse setting. While I have the privilege to live in our town and have a strong support system at home, they aren't as fortunate. But as young black men, I took them under my wing, kept them out of trouble, helped them adjust to working with the coaching staff, and made positive contributions to our community. They’ve had a direct impact on the evolution of our team’s culture and paved the way for future students of color. Being a student-athlete has been a transformative experience that has helped me grow as a responsible, respectful, and motivated person. I’ve learned that I have the potential to positively impact so many people. While the color of my skin has been a barrier, it is also a launching pad to use the experience and skills I’ve gained to continue to be a role model.

I love chocolate cake! It really is an equally important ingredient in my recipe for a healthy lifestyle. What? You don’t agree? Hear me out. One part clean eating Food is fuel. I’m conscious about the foods that I put in my body. Eating wholesome foods gives me the energy I need to focus on the things that are important to me - school, football, work, family, friends, and my community. I focus on eating a balanced amount of protein, carbs, and fats that are appropriate for my age and fitness level. If I don't eat balanced foods, I feel sluggish and get tired early in the day. Eating clean also keeps my mind clear. If I don't get in the right foods, my mind gets cloudy. One part exercise I move my body every single day. When I’m not playing football, I’m in the gym. Exercise makes me stronger and a better athlete. It also gives me the mental clarity I need to challenge myself academically. Even a game of pickup ball with my friends will keep my body moving. One part feeding my curious mind I'm curious by nature. When I am not in school, on the field, working, or volunteering, I focus my time on continuing to learn. After all, curiosity is my most defining trait. During this free time, you can find me looking up random facts, watching educational videos, or just thinking about random phenomena. I have spent many late nights going down a rabbit hole in search of learning more about space, the background of a movie series or tv show, current events, and international affairs.  One part chocolate cake Now, chocolate cake is essential. Sometimes, after a long day, I need a mental break. There is so much pressure these days in high school from getting good grades to building a good resume for college, and the list goes on and on. So I eat chocolate cake! And I bake it myself. I love mixing together each ingredient. It helps clear my mind. The scent that fills my house while it bakes in the oven is like aromatherapy. And that first bite, right out of the oven, is just as good as the last. It's a treat that brings me joy. If I’m not taking care of my mental health, I’m not living a healthy lifestyle. Food. Exercise. Learning. Chocolate cake. That’s healthy living.