Psychology is always something that’s fascinated me. In fact, two of my three degrees are in the psychology field.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Delaware, and I earned my second master’s degree this past May from Virginia Tech in educational psychology.
I always took a great interest in psychology because I wanted to focus on being the best version of myself. And to have the right state of mind to accomplish that.
I’ve learned so much in the last few years of studying this field — I’m in a position now where I want to help people improve their mental health and maximize their potential.
More precisely, I have a special place in my heart for mentoring the youth.
I recently had the opportunity to get involved with a youth program for the West End Center in Roanoke. I had an absolute blast talking to the kids, shooting some hoops with them, and ultimately, just being someone that’s there to listen to anything they want to talk about.
They view me as a towering figure, both literally and figuratively.
Being a basketball player at a big-time program like Virginia Tech, I can use my platform to my advantage. When I talk, the kids listen intently and give me their full attention when I offer advice or words of wisdom.
I know I had a mentor when I was around middle school age, and this person was an extremely influential person in my life that helped guide me down the right path.
That’s exactly who I want to be for these kids.
If they don’t have a mentor in their life, or anyone they can reach out to for support, there’s no telling what might happen. One bad decision could negatively impact them for the rest of their lives.
That said, being a mentor is not a responsibility I take lightly, and I’m blessed to have the platform that I do to help guide and lead the future generation.