Being born into a society that doesn’t always set minorities and people of color up for the greatest opportunity, I knew that I had to do everything I can to ensure my personal success. Achieving good grades throughout my educational career and the start of my work with the youth and young men of color was what brought me to CCNY. Attending this institution doesn’t only give me the opportunity to expand my educational career, it also provides me with the necessary tools to be the best educator for my students in the future. Instilling discipline, patience, intentionality, along with simple learnings from my courses at CCNY I’m confident in my teaching abilities already possessed and at bay. My goal isn’t simply to be a teacher, but to provoke the thoughts of the youth and young men of color and make sure that I provide them with the best tools to be authentic, confident, and brave when pursuing their endeavors. Attending CCNY, I aim to continue sharpening my skills. With an English major and concentration in secondary education, I am confident that I will do just that. Becoming a teacher for me goes deeper than the simple job of teaching a curriculum because adolescents need more. Students don’t need to be defined by a test grade or simple number and although the educational aspect of growth is significant, with the teacher and influence I am becoming I want to ensure their societal success not just the ones in the classroom. I will shape the minds and shift the perspectives of not only African American youth, but of our youth as a whole.