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Family Life
Growing up both of my sister were diagnosed with Autism. Me
a young kid I was I couldn't get why my sisters weren't able to do all of the things I could do and it made me mad. When I realized they weren't going to interact with me, I did my best to do anything to help them be more social. I would be at all of my sister sessions with teachers and after that, I would do interactive things with them. My sister was interacting at 7. As a sophomore in high school she is a high honor roll student. -
The Struggle of A Social Life
When I was young it was hard for me to make friends growing up in an area like brewster and being African American. When I was around 4 or 5 I met a group of kids that gave me a chance. I was a shy and innocent young boy who didn't have a lot of friends, when these kids gave me a chance my life changed forever. Anyone who knows me now knows I am not shy at all and am a people person, along with any other people these kids changed my life and gave me hope to be happy living where I lived. -
Holy Man
Coming from a religious family I have learned many life lessons which have shaped me into the man I am today. Since I was born I was in church every weekend and although at times it was boring, it was very beneficial. I met lifelong friends,learned life lessons, and have a strong background. The pastors in my life have really shaped me and made me understand the importance of God in life. When things are going on in my life that are hard to control I always turn to God and put my faith in him. -
Determination
At the age of 6 all of my friends were able to swim and I was the only one who could not. I would cry and complain to my mom. then one day I went to my cousins community pool and spent the whole day from 12 to 6pm teaching myself how to swim. I kept trying and trying but I couldn't get it. I was about to give up when all the sudden my cousin pushed me in the pool. I began swimming and made it to the other side of the pool. This taught me that as long as I put my mind to it anything is possible. -
First Loss
On this day in 2016 for the first time I felt the pain of loss. Although I didn't know my Grandfather that well being that he lived in Georgia, he still had an impact on my life. At the funeral I saw how many people my grandpa has touched and how many lives he has been apart of.That day I realized that I wanted to be just like him and be apart of numerous people's lives. I want to be able to touch as many people as my grandfather touched if not more.Everyday I try to be a better person for him. -
Smiles
I have come to realize that the one thing that makes me happy the most is seeing other people smile because of me. Yes I play sports because I love the sports, but a main reason I play sports is to see people reactions when I do something good. On this day a special needs kid that I became close with named max told me that my catch was one of the coolest things he has ever seen. This made me realize that there is more to sports than just games and practices. -
The Shot
Basketball has always been my favorite sport since I picked up a basketball when I was three. One reason i love basketball so much is because it is something me and my father can share and enjoy together. Whenever i play basketball I try my best to give my all on the court. There are times when I put too much pressure on myself to be great and forget that I am human too. Making this game winning shot my sophomore year of highschool gave me hope and assured me that people were proud of me. -
Competitor
I have been playing football for 9 years of my life and it has been the best experience I could have imagined. I love to compete and that is what drives me to be great in life. When I was young I was always pretty good at football but never considered one of the best players. This touchdown I scored my Junior year was the biggest confidence boost anyone could have asked for. Coach called the play for me and I ran 95 yards for the touchdown. From that point on I feel like I belong on the field. -
Coach Rhodes
I have always been a player my whole life, never even thought about ever coaching. One day the Brewster Recreation Department asked me if I would coach a 5th grade basketball team. I didn't know what to do at the beginning but my love for the sport and my love for competition took over. I accepted the offer and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. This opportunity made me realize how much I love working with kids and how much I love coaching. -
FIrst Car
A lifelong dream of mine has been to drive a car. I played video games mimicking racing and driving because I couldn't do the real thing. With driving comes responsibility, I felt when I got my car that I was more like an adult and less like a child. Having a car has also taught me life lessons and how to handle my money. Paying for gas and insurance every month shows you how fast money flies and I am glad to be learning how to deal with that at such a young age.
