"E"

Effort: a vigorous or determined attempt.

Effort is a key component within anything an individual does.  Effort is something from within that an individual puts fourth when set out to achieve.  Effort is one factor that I believe many people lack. Everyone is always looking for things to be easy; reality is nothing worth talking about has been completed without great effort. Effort is amazing because I do not believe this is something you are born with; I believe this is something that takes time to be developed.  Effort comes from struggle, and adversity. When your back was against the wall and you had no other options, did you coward over or did you show effort and overcome what was in front of you. 

Imagine if you gave your best effort every time you set out to complete something. Think about the type of daughter/son/student/coworker/parent/sister/brother etc you would be. 

“Continuous effort- not strength or intelligence- is the key to unlocking our potential”

-Winston Churchill 

"S"

Success: the accomplishment of an aim or purpose

Success within D.I.V.E.R.S.E is left up to each and every individual. Success cannot be universal to everyone simply because each individual obtains their own unique definition of what “success” is.  Our generation is impressed by material things: sneakers, cars, rims, jewelry, and much more. Although some forms of success can be measured by materials obtained, this becomes an issue when individuals miss out on what is important. Some may argue that material items are important to those individuals, which is the challenge we face daily. People will wait in line for twelve hours for a pair of sneakers but will miss an hour long class, or arrive late to work. This is the issue! We live in a world where it is about who has the nicest items. Material things do not show success! Success comes from within. Success is something that produces results but may only be measurable by you.

As mentioned earlier every individual’s idea of success will vary which is beautiful and illustrates a lot about our culture. But within D.I.V.E.R.S.E I want individuals to understand that success is to be measured not by material things but from feelings within. I want individuals to be so intrigued with helping that they eventually create a huge cycle of giving back. Not only are these individuals giving back but now they are creating a CIRCLE OF SUCCESS.  Success is being able to plant a seed and watch it grow. Of course the ultimate goal is to watch this plant blossom into an extravagant flower, but the reality is some plants do not grow into flowers; some do not grow at all. But by planting seeds daily within different places you are increasing your chances for success.

What is success to you? How do you plan to reach this? Is this a realistic measure?

Preparation leads to confidence.

Confidence produces results.

Results prove dreams.

-Christian Gray 

"R"

Relationship: the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected.

Relationships are extremely important and I challenge everyone to form them ASAP.  The beauties of relationships are that you can have multiple ones with different levels of importance. Think about the first job you received, my guess is that you had some type of “Connection” or what I like to call a relationship. Why do jobs or universities ask for recommendations? They want to hear it from someone who knows you best, someone you have formed a relationship with because credentials aren’t enough. In our generation it’s about WHO YOU KNOW, VERSUS WHAT YOU KNOW. However, this is not always the case.  The importance of networking in our generation is vital, which is why many need to get off social media and focus on public speaking. I see many of my fellow classmates afraid to speak and give presentations in front of one another but can write emails and send text better than anyone you know. It is a duty to develop yourself as a complete package. Building a relationship is no different from networking. Many do not want to complete this task because they are afraid to step back and learn or that idea that they might mess up. Everyone wants it to be easy!

The relationship I want to discuss is mentor to mentee. I myself am 22 years old and have had several mentors since I was 13. But there is only one individual who I would say has impacted my life significantly and been there over the course of the 9 years. The man has truly taught me the importance of relationships and mentorship. He himself is in his 30s and has a mentor of his own, which illustrates that no one is old enough for a mentor! I honestly feel everyone needs a mentor and if you look at the faces of success in our country majority of them will tell you they would have never made it without someone (aka a mentor). Many shy away from a mentor because they feel the individual is there to “preach” or tell them how to live their life, which is false. A mentor to mentee RELATIONSHIP can be a friendship, a commitment, a role model, a family member, or whatever you want it to be. A mentor is there to help and guide you the best way they can. I always wondered why my mentor(s) reached out to me and not until recently has it ever made complete sense. These individuals have a passion to give and help which I believe is contagious. They simply passed it on to me and now I dedicate myself daily to helping and making a difference. One thing I learned is that you cannot help everyone but you will be able to touch one life. Mentorship and relationships are gifts that keep giving. Do not be afraid of help and guidance. Surround yourself around those who may not be on the same path but are heading the same direction, build a relationship! 

“Trust is to human relationships what faith is to gospel living. It is the beginning place, the foundation upon which more can be built. Where trust is, love can flourish.”

-Barbara Smith 

Being and Remaining Strong

"E"

Education: the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, esp. at a school or university.

My focus is to inform the youth on the importance of education. School is extremely important in our society but I do understand that everyone does not enjoy attending school.  Personally I do not enjoy school but I enjoy learning and I value my education. Being the first individual to graduate High School and attend a University was extremely important to me because now I have broken a cycle which has hindered my family.

I continue school because I have a reason too. Many people give up or do not continue to strive because they do not have a purpose for what they do. I continue to receive my EDUCATION because I know I have a world full of people that wake up every day and watch me; my little brothers, cousins, mom, dad, friends, mentees, and many more. I am creating a new cycle within my family and paving the way for those who watch me. I believe individuals excel when they can learn and are willing to learn in any environment. Does not matter if one is in school or the streets, when you interact with individuals there is always something to learn and this is what I also consider “Education” or knowledge. Power is within knowledge. 

Mentorship is a huge learning experience. I am educated daily by the youth and the cycle of mentorship is one that constantly gives back. Challenge yourself to share the knowledge you have with someone/anyone. Find your purpose and ask yourself why do you do what you do? 

 "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

-Nelson Mandela 

"V" Value

Value: a person's principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life.

What is important to you? What do you value? Are the things you value worthy or pointless? These are all questions I challenge you to answer.

When you attach value to something or someone it seems to become more important. You find yourself making sacrifices and doing whatever needed to fill a void. Think about how powerful your relationship with God would be if you valued it the way you valued money or new sneakers. Imagine if you valued your EDUCATION or simple relationships the way you valued money. Our culture ties value to things we could honestly go without. Many enjoy material things which are understandable and acceptable, but our culture as a whole is losing sight of what’s important. Helping the youth, giving back to those in need, education, God, relationships, better health, are all things we should value more instead of sneakers, cars, jewelry, and unnecessary material things.  

Within mentorship an individual’s values play a significant role in progression and their commitment to their mentee. Take time to pour into someone, simply listen, or instruct in some form. The reward is much greater than the 100 likes you may receive via instagram or Facebook from the picture of the new watch or purse you shared with your followers.  Anyone can have a mentor and should have one. Every day is a challenge to progress and make a difference. Discover new values and make a pros and cons list of what is important versus not. Think outside the box, dare to be different and stop worrying about judgment. Take time to reevaluate your core values and find out what is really important. Do you want to be successful as bad as you want to party? Do you want to be successful as bad as you want the new sneakers coming out? Many misjudge success simply because of false values!

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”

-Albert Einstein

The "I" in D.I.V.E.R.S.E

."I"- Individual(s)

Individual: a single human being as distinct from a group, class, or family.

When I was younger I use to hear adults the often saying, “Be careful who you hang out with”, there name will slowly become yours.  The funny thing is I always listened and wanted to know what they meant. The harsh reality is that people do judge you by those you associate yourself with. This is why one must become a true individual before joining a group.

 I made sure I associated myself with individuals with a plan, who set goals, who at least wanted better. Yes an individual is one person, but think about a group, a team, a family, a workplace, an organization, etc. These are all groups of INDIVIDUALS who make up a whole. Before they received there label from society they needed key elements which could allow them to become part of a group. For instance if you forget an individual ingredient while cooking it could ruin your recipe,  same way as if you have a group or workforce who is in need of a different aspect, or opinion, there is an individual that will fill that void. Of course every ingredient is not as significant as the other, but they all play a part in creating a masterpiece. My point is that every INDIVIDUAL has the obligation to touch a life and become someone’s blessing in some form.  I want to empower young men and women to become strong individuals and even stronger members of the world. An individual is nothing without the group they affiliate themselves with. Do not be afraid to ask for help, and seek out options. Our culture as a whole lacks this; we are a very individualistic society that focuses on betterment for themselves. Survival of the fittest, but if you find individuals who are walking the same path as you, much more can be accomplished. Not only are goals being accomplished but now you are inspiring others and becoming a blessing.  As an individual surround yourself around those who are walking the same path as you. As an individual do not be afraid to pave the way.

“People who inspire others are those who see invisible bridges at the end of dead-end streets.”

-Zack Reynolds