Nominations

“I am a freshman at UCCS and I am majoring in Computer engineering. I aspire to be the best person I can be every day, and I stay driven to the end goal of success in my life. I push myself to new challenges and am constantly setting goals so I can set higher standards not only for me but for peers and family around me. I won’t settle for nothing less than the best and will take every opportunity that is presented to me in the future.”

My Black Colorado Interview

What school do you attend and what year are you in?

I attend the University of Colorado Springs of  Colorado (UCCS). I’m currently a freshman and majoring in computer engineering.

What do you think others would say they like the most about you and why?

I think others would most likely say what they like about me is my personality. I can be very friendly and outgoing which often breaks off positive and happy vibes to others.

When you are not in a class, what are the things you enjoy being involved with?  Why?

When I am not in a class, I work as a server/host/barista at Hotel Elegante in Colorado Springs. I enjoy it because I like money and it builds my hospitality. Being in a restaurant environment shows me that it’s not something I want to do all my life. I do enjoy playing video games when I can but it is rare because I am busy but I can watch basketball highlights ALL DAY LONG. There is so much to learn from full basketball games to highlights. I enjoy watching basketball because I like basketball and it is just a fascinating sport to watch.

What is the best advice someone has given you recently?

The best advice I have received is to always keep a smile on my face. This has been the best advice to me because a smile can do so much for you. It brings less stress on you in life, makes others smile and it looks great on you.

What is one thing you want to get better at?

One thing I want to get better at is prioritizing. It will help me in the long run and it will make a more successful student and person.

What is one piece of advice adults need to hear, to help them connect with the younger generation better?

One piece of advice I would give for adults to hear is that it’s okay to be real with your kids because the real world is something completely different than high school. I say this because it allows a young adult and adult to come together and prepare for this thing called life. Doesn’t happen overnight but being ready to handle the things that are thrown at you after high school can make life a whole lot smoother.

What accomplishments or awards are you most proud of and why?

An accomplishment I am proud of is getting my high school diploma. Being African-American in the USA today brings a lot of challenges and expectations from them. Many people drop out or don’t even get the chance to graduate. I was proud to see myself walk across the stage and be able to say that this chapter in life is done. On top of the crazy year that we had, I felt that I worked hard and deserved that diploma this year because there was a lot of hard work and time that I put in to be where I am today.

What impact have you made in the community that you are most proud of and why?

The impact that I have made in the community that I am most proud of is being a staff support for the non-profit program called Hillside Connection. I was able to help younger kids develop their basketball skills as a coach and I was able to share my knowledge of the game. The kids coming from the elementary and middle school showed great development in the basketball clinics during the winter and summer.I was able to help manage and control the media outlets such as Facebook and Instagram to promote camps, summer leagues etc. Being able to give back to the community is important to me, and I always want to volunteer when I can be a help to someone. With it being basketball and something I love, it makes it one of the best and fun times at the basketball clinics that are hosted.

What do you think you want to do for a career and why?

I do not know what career I would like to have in the future, but I know with the field of study that I am in, there are many careers that I can fall into.

What role did your family play in where you are today? 

My family has played a MAJOR role in the success of my life and where I’m at today. My mother has been my cheerleader and my biggest critic, followed behind my father and girlfriend. Without my mother, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today. She has pushed me to great heights, and she believes in me so much. I just want to keep pushing and finish college so that I can make my mama proud.