My Introduction, My Story

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."
-John Maxwell

My story doesn't start during this moment at Launch Into IA.

My story doesn't even start with me.

My story, or at least how I've come to interpret my life and the work I feel impressed to do in it starts with my grandfather on my father's side. Despite being equipped with just a 6th grade education he still understood the inherent value of receiving an education and instilled the belief of a better life through a good education to my father and all of his children. With his life, the product of being just three or four generations removed from the world's first successful slave revolt and black republic exemplified the conviction and fortitude necessary to raise leaders of people from all nationalities and ethnic backgrounds.

By the time my father married my mother he was more than just a physician. He was, and is a visionary destined to redefine the standards within medicine. His work ethic was known to be unparalleled, his knowledge base was to be envied by his colleagues and his drive to bring about the most efficient form of medical care provided from a physician was not to be understated.

However, leaders are not always recognized for what they maintain in their comfort zone, but what they create in times of crisis.

In having my siblings while trying to refocus the trajectory of their lives by living in South Florida is the personification of that axiom.

As his father before him my father, alongside the wise counsel provided by my mother made sure to instill the values of a good education in my brother, myself and my siblings. Without fail, they exemplified the benefits of not only receiving a good education with my dad working to renew his board certification and my mother going back to school to earn her bachelor's and now her master's degree.

Being a witness to that work ethic motivated me to come here to the University of Florida. Even though I'm far from the best in math or most sciences, their commitment to serving disadvantaged populations through healthcare was in part the motivation I needed to move to serve similar populations through community engagement and public service. Despite having a lot of growing to do, I can confidently say that after just one year studying what I love in political science, being an appoint official in on campus politics, running a campaign in local politics, preserving the history of people of color in Alachua County as well as musical legends that have graced this county with their talent I am not the person I was before.

Even though I focus on the work that needs to be done and not necessarily the positions that open up, I am confident in my ability to make my voice heard.

Even though I cannot predict what life will throw in my direction, I am confident that you like the person you'll see respond to those situations.

-Oliver