What makes you a D.R.I.V.E.R. (Determined. Reliable. Innovative. Visionary. Emerging. Resourceful.)?
Being a M.A.D. man is what makes me a D.R.I.V.E.R. M is for Motivated, A for Assertive and D for Determined. I am Motivated because I have a vision for where my city, my university and I could be in the near future. I am Assertive, because I stand up for what I know is right in every area of my life. I am determined to see Harris-Stowe State University as a front-runner in higher education, and I see myself at the top of my career field.
What is your dream job?
My dream is to become the president of the United States. I like to think of myself as the black “Ronald Reagan” of politics. Additionally, I also love to write, produce, act and direct short films and stage plays.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
In 2013, I established a city-wide talent show that was open to the campus and community to watch high school students vs. college students. The entry fee was $2, and the winner of the competition won half the entry fee proceeds. That night we made over $400. The community and my university enjoyed the show so much I decided to bring it back again in 2014. That year we made over $600. All of the proceeds that night went back to the students of HSSU. This event provided a opportunity for the community, families, students, faculty, staff and alumni to come together at HSSU and enjoy the night together. That to me was the accomplishment I am most proud of.
What is the best advice that you have ever received?
My mother always taught me never to look back in regret, but to move on to the next thing. A setback is never a bad experience, just another one of life’s lessons.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
In the near future I want to own and operate my own production studio. I enjoy teaching through stage plays and film.
What are your hobbies/interests/special talents?
Some of my hobbies and special talents are writing short films and plays, producing, directing, and acting.
What are your “favs?”
Quotes: These are my favorite quotes. Before I start my day I look at these quotes to keep me inspired to bring forth change on my campus, in my community, and this nation. You should find yours!
“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” – President John F. Kennedy
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – President John Q. Adams
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” -Malcolm X
What advice would you like to share to help encourage other students or recent graduates to “keep driving?”
Without the help of the faculty and staff at HSSU, I would not be where I am today. When I first came to college I was a lost young man, completing my first year with a 1.9 GPA. To make it worse, I got kicked out of the residence hall and was on the verge of getting kicked out of school. I am proud to be able to say I have turned things around in my life and I am now making a difference as the Student Government Association president and as a M.A.D. man. Through my experiences I’ve learned once you get M.A.D., you make your peers M.A.D. Through your continued and determined efforts, one day everyone in your city and school will be Motivated, Assertive and Determined Women and Men! Remember, it starts with you! So put your petal to the metal and DRIVE young leader!
What are your thoughts about what YOUniversity Drive is doing to help motivate, educate and inspire our next generation of leaders?
I applaud YOUniversity Drive on their efforts to help inspire and motivate the next generation to not hold each other down, but help each other to reach beyond our goals while bringing our counterparts with us. As I was going through YOUniversity Drive’s website and read some of the profiles, a lot of the DRIVERS are just like myself – before becoming who we are today, we faced obstacles to get to our goal. Thank you YOUniversity Drive! I thank you, my university Harris-Stowe State University thanks you, and this nation thanks you!
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