St Stephens & St Agnes

I attended St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academics and abundant resources. The tuition was more than most colleges a year, and commuting an hour each way daily was a significant adjustment. On top of that, adapting to the school’s environment as a Black male in a space where most of my classmates and teachers looked nothing like me came with its own challenges. However, these experiences shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined, helping me develop resilience, focus, and the ability to adapt to new situations.

Academically, St. Stephen's & St. Agnes pushed me to my limits. I took physics as a 9th grader and barely passed an eye-opener considering my previous school hadn’t prepared me for this level of difficulty. The workload was intense, and balancing it with everything else often felt overwhelming. But through perseverance, I learned how to manage my time and stay disciplined.

Athletically, my high school journey was nothing short of transformative. As a football player and track athlete, I worked harder than I ever thought possible. I woke up early to train, often working out twice a day, and sacrificed free time, family gatherings, and outings with friends to excel in sports and keep up with my schoolwork. I rarely did anything other than school and sports—my schedule left little room for anything else.

Track, in particular, became a space where I thrived through sheer hard work and dedication. Those early mornings and late nights were challenging, but they paid off in ways I’m proud of. I earned over 40 Division 1 offers for football and track, and every day my phone buzzed with calls, texts, and messages from college coaches. Having recruiters like Nick Saban come to see me was an incredible experience, but it also came with pressure. I stayed grounded by remembering what got me there: sacrifice and relentless effort.

Despite the excitement, my journey wasn’t without setbacks. My sophomore year, I broke my collarbone and missed most of the football season. That experience could have derailed me, but instead, it fueled my determination to come back stronger.

My senior year presented another challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. I finished high school online while dual-enrolled in college, navigating one of the most uncertain times in recent history. Through it all, I learned to adapt, stay focused, and push through adversity.

Looking back, high school shaped me into someone who values hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. It wasn’t easy balancing academics, sports, and life, but it taught me how to face challenges head-on and use them as stepping stones toward success. Those years laid the foundation for who I am today disciplined, resilient, and ready to take on any challenge. Thank You SSSAS