How/Why do you want to change the world?
Under the cornerstones of gratitude and leadership, I plan on constantly looking for ways to give back and touching my future communities with the joy of teaching and learning. I want to inspire young teens to be the best selves they can be, as well as ensuring them that the only way to live your life is by staying true to who you are and being yourself. As long as I am positively influencing young teens, motivating teens to follow their passions, providing a space of openness and acceptance, allowing them to showcase full self-expression, and guiding them to be nothing but their best self, then I know I am accomplishing what I was placed on this earth to do.
What are you proud to have been involved with at University of Oregon?
I am most proud to have been involved with the leadership of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (PIKE). Being the Chapter President of PIKE, I was able to gain new tools, insights, and lessons on how to inspire a diverse group of leaders to make a difference on our campus and within our community. My goals for PIKE and other greek organizations were to center ourselves around the values of respect, inclusion, leadership, scholarship, and expression. Establishing a foundation where every member could reach their greatest potential in whatever their passions may be and fostering an environment that allowed every member to be nothing but their true self is exactly what I did as president.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
My biggest role model is my mother, Mama LC. Being a single parent of three children, Mama LC has been faced with some of the toughest struggles and with some really challenging moments. As our family’s rock, she did not let those difficulties defeat her, but she used them as motivation to provide all three of us with the best childhood, education, extra-curricular experiences, and many more. Her drive to never give up and ensure happiness upon her children is something that I hope I reflect when I am a parent. She has instilled confidence, support, love, and strength within all three of us, and without her guidance and her acceptance, I would not be the man I am today.
What are your goals after college?
My goals after college are vast and ever-changing. Immediately after obtaining my undergraduate degree, I plan on attending graduate school to either earn a Master’s Degree in English or in Education in correlation with the secondary education credential certification. Once that is over, I plan on teaching high school English in hopes of beginning my career in the education world. I have goals to make a difference within the education system and I plan on accomplishing those goals by working at the district, state, or national level to ensure progress is being made and every student is able to receive a good education.
