The year 2000, A scorching summer afternoon in Winston-Salem, lounging on the balcony of a wfuniversity dormitory. A 14k gold chain gripping the neck, most likely gifted by my parents (from the previous Christmas). Rugged sounds of “400 Degrees” by juviethegreat swarms from the window speakers of my room, followed by Jay-Z’s “Dynasty” album… Classics to say the least. Morning workouts & conditioning was approximately two hours prior to Deb (the dormitory’s House Keeper & friend) stitching the threads of my skull into rows of corn. I was second in line that day, but it was well worth the wait. Sweat is still pouring through the pores of my skin, caused by the steamed boiling waters ( from the shower that I took after the team’s workout). In retrospect… as I reflect on this moment, it was very important for me to incorporate “my culture” with such a prestigious institution such as Wake Forest University. I never lost sight of where I was from but also had a clear vision of where I wanted...