Like many athletes, I grew up playing multiple sports. I was a basketball and football guy who joined the track team as a way to stay in shape.
It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I realized I was more than just a track runner. I was a track star.
Early in my career, I was already going to states and nationals. I was getting invited to prestigious meets and being recruited by Division One programs.
I was attending Fordham University’s camp and instantly fell in love with the campus. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to go there and run track. By my sophomore year, I knew track was my ticket to get out of my hometown and build a foundation for my future.
I was ready to do everything possible to make that happen.
Dad’s Influence
No one has influenced me more than my dad. He dedicated 27 years to law enforcement, serving as a police officer while working three different departments throughout his career.
I watched him work 70–80-hour weeks and was always amazed at his work ethic. He wasn’t at many of my games or meets because he was always working, but I never held that against him. He was doing what he had to do to provide for our family. As I became older, I understood that more and more.
I knew what I wanted to accomplish wouldn’t be easy, and it was going to take sacrifices and hard work. I was ready to put in the work because I had a father who led by example.
My dad always told me, “If you want to be successful, you have to work harder than everyone else.” I took that to heart and ran with it.
The Hardest Two Years Of My Life
With my dad’s influence and work ethic instilled in me, I was able to achieve my dream of running track at Fordham University. The day I signed my letter of intent was the happiest day of my life.
I was so excited for the future and all the blessings that were to come. But just as life can be rewarding, it can also be cruel.
My freshman and sophomore years of college were the hardest two years of my life. I tore my lateral cord in my foot and missed eight months. That was tough because I couldn’t compete and do what I loved.
And then it got worse.
My dad had a stroke and passed away during my freshman year. I was devastated. My dad was my hero. The person I looked up to more than anyone in this world. We had gone through a lot together, and I was crushed.
I didn’t know how I was going to get through it. But I did.
I finished my freshman year with a 3.8 GPA and was named to the Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
I knew that’s what my father would have wanted. I used his passing as motivation, and it changed my life.
Changing The World
The past two years have been extremely difficult, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I could have let my injuries and the death of my father be my downfall, but instead, they became my motivation. They helped me realize my purpose and what I want to do in this world.
I’ve always loved helping people, and I’m starting to realize it’s my purpose. I’m a firm believer that you never know what someone is going through, so it’s important to always be kind.
I’ve used my platform to spread this message and help others overcome their own challenges. I’ve had people come up to me on campus and say, “That video you made, I really needed that.” That means the world to me.
I want to motivate and inspire people to never give up. I want to be a light in this world and make a difference. Just like my dad did for me.
These past two years have been the hardest of my life, but they’ve also been the best. I’ve found my purpose and passion.
I’m more determined than ever to be successful and help others along the way. I’m not just a track star at Fordham University. I’m a man on a mission to change the world.
