# @charlesisballiin on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DY2bjkwFGTD
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/65936722-charlesisballiin-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/3ae186cd0b.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-05-27T17:27:56.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Charles Wroten III | ProRugbyleaguePlayer| (@charlesisballiin) — https://gondola.cc/charlesisballiin

## Caption

This journey was anything but a straight line…
Coming out of high school, my path was already being tested. I fought a battle with cancer that forced me to find a strength I didn’t know I had. Coming out of that, I put everything into the game, but when the football plan didn’t pan out, I had to choose: quit on myself or find a new way to fight.
I chose to fight. I found my way to NDC and discovered a new brotherhood in Rugby, but behind the scenes, things were heavy. I was navigating a school closure that hadn’t even been made public yet, and at the same time, I was seriously struggling with my mental health. It was a breaking point. I had to take a stand for myself, protect my peace, and trust that God had a better landing spot for me.
Every setback was just a setup for ECU.
East Carolina didn’t just give me a degree—it gave me a calling. To my peers in the School of Social Work: thank you for the late nights and the shared passion for advocacy. To ecumensrugby : thank you for being my family on and off the pitch. To my friends and family thank you for being my village❤️‍🔥

To my best friend Tyler in heaven…you’re my why🥺

I wouldn’t be standing here without the support systems that fueled my career. A massive shoutout to Vortex Rugby, Ikee, and Your Dose of Rugby for the constant backing and belief in me throughout my time here. Most for certainly nilclubs 🙏🏿 as well!!
Through the recovery, the mental health battles, and the grind of the season, I learned that your path doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but you. Most importantly, I learned that when you put your faith in God and stand up for yourself, you can outwork any obstacle.
So here I am… graduating from East Carolina University. Proud of the man I’ve grown into. Proud of the journey. And eternally grateful for the strength to keep pushing.
This chapter taught me resilience, faith, and purpose. And the best part? I’m just getting started…⛏️🟢😏 cltsocialwork unccharlotte 
#ecupirates #Classof2026 #ontomastersdegree #MentalHealthMatters #socialwork

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## Tags

classof2026, ontomastersdegree, socialwork, ecupirates, mentalhealthmatters

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