Owning Your Destiny: Khristian Michael's Story

Stand on a busy street corner for just a few minutes and listen to all the ideas being discussed by the people who are passing by. Chances are, only ten of those people will actually think twice about their idea and out of those ten, two will be really serious and have the courage to go for it. Of those two, one of them will stick with it and stop at nothing to see his/her idea become a reality AND a success. That individual understands that this is their destiny and is determined to walk within that destiny.  Khristian Michael, Founder and President of Forever K. Michael Eyewear is one of those people. He envisioned his destiny as a child and understood that it would take a lot of hard work and dedication to see his dream come alive. Yet, come alive it has--Forever K. Michael Eyewear is currently circulating in high end malls all over the country, and can be seen on artists such as Sean Paul of the Young Bloods and iconic professional athletes such as Shaquille O’Neal.

Michael will be the first to tell you that the success he is experiencing now didn’t just happen, he had to put a lot of hard work into it. He has seen many doors closed in his face, and his products being pushed to the back burner of potential distributor’s priority list. Yet, none of this stopped Michael’s dream of getting his eyewear into the public’s sights. He’d gone through too much to stop and he believed the saying, 'when one door closes another one opens. '

“I have been in love with fashion since I was a kid,” Michael explained. “One thing that stood out about my family is that we were always fashionable, so it became an ingrained desire for me to be on point with my look. To get in the business, I was an intern at different record labels. One of my mentors at that time was the National Director of promotions for Arista and Warner Brothers. That mentor relationship lasted for about 10 years and during that time I did a lot of promotions with him that dealt with celebrities. But I always had a true eye for fashion and I decided that one day that I wanted to put a product behind my image.”

That product with his image behind it became eyewear. Michael has always been a huge fan of shades and explained that if a person had on a nice pair of shades then their entire outfit will look nice. “When I was younger, I may not have had the best clothes on,” said Michael. “but a pair of shades always made my outfit. My shoes weren’t the best, my pants weren’t the best but if I threw on a pair of fly shades, I was going to be the coolest cat in school. So I thought that eyewear would be good fit for my image and my life experience.”

 After deciding on the product to promote his image, the work began. Michael had to learn how to design and manufacture eyewear. Once he mastered the ins and outs of manufactured, he learned how to find and sell to distributors, and ultimately how to market the Forever K. Michael brand.  He found a supportive partner in NYS Collection, a leading retailer in the eyewear industry, who was willing to listen to and support his vision for Forever K Michael.  He utilized the contacts he had made during his years in the music industry and reached out to some of the celebrities that he met over the years, asked them to help out and it took off from there. The Forever K Michael brand can be found on celebrities such as Tynisha Keli, Donnie Klang, Mr. Cheeks, Nappy Roots, and Sean Paul of the Young Bloods.

Earlier this month (February 2011), Forever K Michael signed an agreement with Superman.  Okay, not Clark Kent, but our favorite Superman, Shaquille O’Neal, to create the Forever K. Michael presents Dunk Man Eyewear line. This new line is set to launch summer of 2011. 

None of this would have been possible if Michael would have given up on his dreams, his destiny.  He considers himself to be a 'Smart Guy' because of the company that he surrounds himself with--Michael credits his decision to move forward and realize his dreams to mentors and his inner circle.  “It would have to be listening to mentors.” Said Michael when asked about getting Forever K. Michael off the ground. “Even the bible says A man who takes good counsel can’t lose. So if you take good counsel, listen to trusted opinions, and then incorporate all of that to make good decisions of your own. Even the President has advisors and takes counsel. Taking counsel has been one of the best decisions of my career.”

“I think being a 'smart guy' is really about the people that are around you, the people you surround yourself with.” said Michael. “I am a firm believer in if you have good people around you who make good decisions, (in business and in general) that adds to your character, to who you are.”  Michael's advise to young people is simple.  “I think that when you walk in your destiny that you are going to succeed.” said Michael. “Only you know if what you are doing is something that you really believe in and love. Don’t fool yourself. You have to know in your heart if you truly want to do this (whatever it is) and be successful at it. So when you walk in your destiny, you work hard at it, and you truly try, then I can assure you that you will succeed at it."

A Stylish Smart Guy,

K. Michael

Khristian Michael is from and currently resides in NYC. You can see more Forever K. Michael on line at www.foreverkmichael.com . You can like him on facebook at foreverkmichaeldesign and follow him on twitter at foreverkmichael.

  

    

A 'Green' Role Model and Advocate: Ovie Mughelli's Story

A bright light pierces the blinds of your bedroom window and shines into your eyelids. As you turn over to avoid the light, your eyes crack open ever so slightly, and you notice the room is lit up. Your limbs extend to their full length as a smile appears upon your face. Once outside, your eyelids close, your chest expands, filling with oxygen, nitrogen and other elements that make up the air as your mouth opens to take a deep breath.  The first days of spring is upon us and the beauty of the Earth has sprung out for the world’s people to enjoy. This beauty is something that many people take for granted or in some cases don't ever notice.  But for Atlanta Falcons Fullback, 2010 Pro Bowler, and Smart Guy Ovie Mughelli, the planet in which he lives to means the world to him.

Mughelli has created The Ovie Mughelli Foundation, an organization designed to teach youth about 'Going Green'. The importance of saving the planet is something that Mughelli feels strongly about and would like others to realize. The Ovie Mughelli Foundation is a 501(c) 3 federal tax-exempt organization that supports the overall development of youth socially, mentally and physically by implementing and assisting quality programs that educate the youth on the environment. We want to empower the youth to take ownership and pride about their lives and the roles that they play in society. The Foundation puts on various football camps/clinics and community events, with the goal of spreading the message about the importance of 'Going Green' and how youth can be apart of the solution and not apart of the problem.

“I feel that our urban and/or under-serviced youth really do not care about the environment today,” says Mughelli. “It is understandable because they have so many other things that they have to deal with--hunger, poverty, violence. However, that being said, you still can not completely ignore the environment.”  Mughelli notes that the people that care the least about the environment tend to be the people that are affected most by the environment. The landfills and refineries are usually built in poor neighborhoods, and it makes their air and water quality lesser than the wealthy neighborhoods.

“I let the African American kids that I often speak to know that it is not a white issue, a rich issue, or someone else’s problem," Mughelli states, " I let them know that it is their problem. I tend to use football, athletics, or something fun to engage them and make 'Going Green' a lot more appealing. I let them know that they can 'make green' by 'Going Green". I teach them about green jobs, and about saving and making money. These green jobs include making organic clothing lines, running a recycling company and even making bamboo utensils. There are all types of things that they can do to help the planet as well as themselves.”  

Mughelli acknowledges that playing in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons has put him in a position where he can share his knowledge of saving the planet to a wide audience. He also recognizes that getting to where he is now, being a community leader and a professional athlete, was not an easy task. It took a lot of hard work and overcoming of obstacles and barriers that could have derailed his journey.

“Playing football for a living was always a dream for me,” Mughelli said. “I didn’t always think that I could do it, but it was definitely what I wanted to do. I didn’t know it would be a reality for me until the last second. I am confident but I try to be realistic as well. The chances and odds of making it to the NFL are very slim. I never really wanted to get my hopes up. I just wanted to work as hard as I could and see what happened.”

Working hard is something that Ovie had grown accustomed to over the years. From the football field to the classroom, Ovie worked tirelessly to become the best student and athlete.  Ovie attended Porter-Gaud High school a predominately white middle and high school which was a challenge to him because he felt alone, there were not any people there that looked like him. However, instead of harping on the negative, Mughelli decided to look at it as a blessing. It provided him with the chance to be around people who were different from him, and show them a positive example of an African American, an opportunity to refute stereotypes and assumptions. Ovie, in many instances, was the only African American person that some of his classmates knew.

“That was definitely a learning experience,” said Mughelli. “It was something that I am glad that I went through because it taught me how to deal and mesh with different people on all levels. The school itself was challenging because of the intense work load as far as tests, papers to write, and homework.  But I am glad I learned how to manage that in high school because it only got harder in college. Being a student-athlete in high school taught me how to balance my workload, a skill that I still utilize today. ”

While facing many challenging decisions during his life, Ovie considers his decision to stay actively involved in the church as one of the best decision he has made. Mughelli grew up in church and knows that everything that he has accomplished is a direct blessing from God. Even as a Pro Bowl Fullback for the NFC South Champion Atlanta Falcons Mughelli remains humble and gives God the honor and praise for using him as an inspiration to others. 

Although he loves playing the sport of football, and even though he is a great football player, Ovie never relied solely on making it to the NFL. He concentrated in the classroom just as hard as he focused on the football field. That is something he feels all Smart Guys do. Mughelli earned a degree from Wake Forest University with a major in Health and Educational Science. “Smart Guys get it,” says Mughelli. “I got it at an early age; I understood the importance of a good education as the key to success. You can’t really do anything in this world if you don’t have an education.  I always valued going to school and tried to learn more and more everyday to better myself.”

Mughelli's advice to the youth of today is to find a mentor, become an advocate of asking questions, and be prepared to accept challenges. “I am smart enough to know when I don’t know.” says Mughelli. "Get in touch with someone who has been or is where you want to be.  Ask that person questions about their past and how they got to where they are now. That will allow you to have an easier, more direct path to reaching your goals. Life is not going to be easy, so take a step back at times and breathe. No one who is at the top of their game gets there by accident; you have to fight for everything that you want.”  

A 'Green' Smart Guy,

Ovie

Mughelli prides himself on giving back to the community and donates his time, energy and efforts to ensuring that people see and respect the world for the beautiful place that it is.  To learn more about the Ovie Mughelli Foundation go to www.oviemughellifoundation.org  For additional information about Ovie, contact Bridgett Coates at Exposure BBC .

 

Creating Smart Workers--David's Leadership

"Making smart choices is not something that comes easy.  In fact, many of them will often involve disappointing someone else.  Yet, without making smart choices we will often not evolve and progress from where we are."

I just had my fortieth birthday and it was a fantastic opportunity to see that I am surrounded by those that have known me, supported me and helped me to grow.  In fact, two of my best friends were there whom I have known for 25 and 22 years respectively.  Seeing my boys reminded me of the #1 rule we had growing up—Work Hard.  Play Hard.  Although we had different interests, we supported one another and more importantly pushed one another to do our best in school.  This not only meant getting good grades, but also challenging ourselves to take those classes that were difficult and while not always getting the best grades in those classes, we stretched ourselves and proved that we were up to a challenge.  That same attitude also encouraged us to play hard—whether it was competitive sports, intramural or plain old pick-up games, we always had the attitude if it’s worth spending your time, then give it your all.

I currently run Concessions Management Group (“CMG”), a social enterprise that employs “at-risk” youth to work and manage concessions at different stadiums including the Washington Nationals, DC United, USC Trojans and CAL Bears employing almost 100 young people.  As a social enterprise, we differentiate ourselves from our competitors by purposefully hiring our staff from low-income communities.  Our typical employee is 18-24 years old, has either never worked before or has had very limited work experience and is looking for an opportunity to learn, grow and better themselves through employment.  We have purposefully set up our business this way because we believe that even though many young people do make the smart decision—stay in school, look for a job—they oftentimes do not get an opportunity that supports that decision.  At CMG, we are trying to support those young people making smart decisions by providing our youth employees the opportunities to show and prove that they can continuously make smart decisions within a work environment.

An entreprenurial 'Smart Guy'

David

David is a native New Yorker who currently resides in California with his family.  David earned a BA from Wesleyan University and his MBA from Columbia University's prestigious Columbia Business School.  For more information about Concessions Management Group (CMG), contact David at:  dderryck@concessionsmgmt.com

Becoming a Community Leader: Donovan's Story

"What people are NOT doing is sometimes exactly what you need to be doing..."

South Florida is widely considered a mecca of talented athletes, beautiful women and artists. So for young men growing up in this area, of course the belief in their heads is in order to be successful you have to become a rapper or an athlete. The vision was no different growing up for former basketball player turned community leader Donovan Thomas. Donovan currently serves as the Executive Director of Rize and Shine. This community based organization houses a variety of projects created to empower the community. One of its signature programs is the 'Respect, Check, Protect Yourself (RCP) Movement', an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign that is impacting Florida statewide. Keep reading to learn about Donovan's journey from baller to community activist...

Life has a funny way of putting people in places that caught them totally off guard. As Thomas will be the first to explain, where he is now, is not where he envisioned himself as a child growing up.  “I have always wanted to do something to help people,” Thomas said. “but I never thought that I would be running an organization or something of my own in this way. As I saw the need and how people could be helped by the RCP movement, I knew I wanted to take it on full time.”

Thomas grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and attended St. Thomas Aquinas high school where he excelled as a 6’6” 215lbs power forward in basketball. Thomas earned All-County, All-State honors which led to earning a scholarship to Loyola University Maryland. At a young age Donovan always looked at education as a way of advancing and getting to where he wanted to be, although this conflicted with some of his friends’ interests.

“There were many barriers I had to overcome,” Thomas explains.  “But one of the things that really motivated me was that, a lot of the friends that I had at the time were really good in sports but they didn’t take education seriously.  They were not making the grades to play ball. Although they were very talented, they weren’t able to develop, due to them not being eligible to play on the team. That kept me focused on keeping my grades up to par and working on my game at the same time. That was a barrier that I had to over come, when I seen everyone around me doing wrong, it would have been easy to get pressured into falling into that trap. Some traps I did fall into and i did things that I am not proud of, but I bounced back and turned those negativse into positives. At those times I reverting back to my upbringing, utilizing advice from my parents who stressed the importance of being well rounded. Nobody is perfect, but the 'smart guys' are the ones who can fall off track but get up and steer themselves back in the right direction.”

Getting back on the right track is exactly what Thomas did. He concentrated harder on basketball and school. Yet Thomas always looked to have a fall back plan, having learned the lesson that sports might not always be there for you. Some of his teammates did not have that same state of mind. For them, it was being professional athlete or nothing. Thomas challenged that all or nothing notion and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Loyola.

“As I was growing up,” Thomas explained. “There were a lot of stereotypes being placed on me because of my skin color and my height. It was assumed that I had to play basketball and I had to go to the NBA to be successful. After a while that began to get to me. I knew that I had a good head on my shoulders and even if I didn’t make the NBA that I could still succeed in life, but I didn't get that reassurance from others.”  While in college, Thomas was hit with a string of injuries. Those injuries, as he explains it, were a blessing in disguise because it allowed him to take his focus off  basketball for short stints and re-dedicate himself to his school work.

“As urban youth, we tend to focus on how much money the athletes are making,” Thomas said. “We never think about how much the owners of the teams, which the athletes are on, are getting paid. If they are able to pay out millions of dollars, just imagine how much they are bringing in.”  Thomas believes that 'smart guys' should aspire to be in those ownership positions, being the payer and not the payee. He wants young people to know that it is okay if you are not a professional athlete, there are so many other respected professions out in the world, even in the world of sports. 

“People have to make decision everyday; those people that are equipped with the tools to make the best decisions are usually the ones who have knowledge. Knowledge equals not only education but also experience,” Thomas explained. “There is a saying that only insane people try things the exact same way, over and over again, and expect different results. So learn from the mistake the first time so the next time you won’t make that one again. Be competitive. Always try to be better tomorrow than you were today. Do not be afraid to go against the norm, to be a leader, to be willing and able to endure the ridicule of others who may not see your outlook on life and prosper through it. Stay focused on what you want to do. Hard work pays off.”

Thomas’ non profit organization is focused on getting the word out on something that is not really talked about but it is hitting our community in astronomical numbers-- HIV/AIDS. The program is called the RCP Movement and it brings ordinary everyday people from the community together to educate about HIV/AIDS and help prevent its spread. "We want to get people talking, to get the education/literature out there about how it is and isn’t contracted. HIV/AIDS used to be a conversation that was talked about a lot in the 80s but now it is not talked about as much. Unfortunately, the disease is spreading, its effecting younger and younger people and has devestated minority communities worldwide.  The major new cases of HIV/AIDS are happening between the ages of 13-24, our youth, our future.



Donovan teaches participants about HIV/AIDS prevention



RCP has a chapter present on several college campuses, and high schools throughout Florida and now Georgia. The RCP Movement stresses and encourages abstinence to the youth but understands that holistic prevention includes risk reduction conversations as well. The thought is to have the information out there so they will know and understand how to practice safe sex.  The RCP Movement would like people to know that you don’t have to be infected to be affected by HIV/AIDS. This disease is hitting everybody in some way, shape, form or fashion. Statistics show that 56,000 people per year become infected with HIV in the US and that is only the people who have been tested. Every hour of the day, two teenagers are becoming infected.

RCP tries to find different ways to engage the community. Some of RCP's projects are Street Scares and the  Show-U-Know benefit concert, a free event for those who took an HIV test in order to be aware of their own status.  "The first time we put on this concert we tested over 5,000 people in the South Florida area. That is 5,000 people who may not have become aware of their HIV status without this gentle push from the program. This is something we plan to do on an annual basis.  We are trying to promote HIV awareness and education in a fun, non-threatening environment." 

“The biggest thing or best advice that I would stress to young people is to follow your dreams.” Thomas said.  “Always remember that every expert, guru, mogul was once a beginner. Every great invention began as an idea and then that person went after it and made it happen. You have to be willing to sacrifice and know that it is going to take hard work to get what you want. What people are not doing is sometimes exactly what you need to be doing. Do the extra work to perfect your craft and don’t give up.”

An advocate 'Smart Guy',

Donovan

To learn more about the RCP Movement please visit  www.rcpmovement.org, or email us at jointheteam@rcpmovent.org .You can also friend RCP at www.facebook.com/rcpmovement, and follow us at www.twitter.com/rcpmovement 

  

Perspective, Balance & Strength: Julian's Story...



Julian & his baby sister



When presented with the accolades that his baby brother Zarek heaps on him in helping him reach his current summit as a 1st round draft pick in the MLS, Julian is quick to redirect the conversation to Zarek's accomplishments.  His pride in his brother is evident, and he seems generally surprised at the strength of his impact on Zarek's life.  Not surprising from a young man whose introspectiveness is so intense, its tangible.  Not surprising from a young man who has recently decided, after a lifetime of work to gain entrance into the elite world of professional sports that, "despite his great success, he does not have the talent to be the player he aspired to be and that his greatest gifts and talents would be better utilize in another arena."  Julian is owning that realization and packing up and moving to Colorado to start the next phase of his life; challenging himself to put his talents and skills to a new test and setting high goals and pristine standards that I have no doubt he will obtain. We at 'Smart Guy' are inspired by the story of this 'smart family' and hope that you will be too...

Part II: Julian Valentin,

 "the heart of the team"

For the most part, Zarek and I have mostly walked the same path. We both grew up playing under the same coach, and we both played on National Teams and got to travel and have great experiences abroad.  We both played at the residency program in Florida and both went away to college afterwards. Soccer has been a great vehicle for me to experience life, to provide me with experiences that have shaped me and given me a wider view of what is important in life.  

My goal growing up, even while just playing in the backyard, was to become a professional soccer player. Millions of kids in the world have that goal, but just a few get to experience it.  As I got older, even though my goal remained steadfast, I recognized that the life span of the pro soccer player is not very long. Guys like Zach Thornton, guys with such an extensive professional career, are very rare.  I realized in college that you had to have something to do after soccer, that I needed a backup plan.  

I’ve always had a good support system around me to give me perspective on what’s important.  My parents, my stepfather, my coaches, my family and more recently, my wife and agent have provided me with incredible support.  My mother has always written at the end of every card or email, “I'm your number one fan, mom xoxo’.  And although I’m not playing anymore I know that she is still going to be my number one fan and that she loves us and is proud of us no matter what we are doing.  My entire support system has added to my view on the world, on education, on athletics.  My support system helped me to learn that nothing we do is by ourselves.  They instilled in me the importance for me not to just be one dimensional, that I shouldn't want to be defined just by being an athlete. 

Growing up I was always one of the top players, a player that a lot of people depended on. My team won a National Championship when I was at Wake Forrest and I was drafted into the MLS just like I had always dreamed. Yet, in the pro ranks everyone is good and it was difficult to make the adjustment. I struggled for the last few years.  I have always held myself to a high standard and my goal, even in the backyard as a child, was to be a top of the line, marquee player in the MLS. I am proud of myself that I was mature enough and realistic enough to admit that maybe I’m never going to be the player that I always wanted to be.  But know that I’m okay with making this move away from soccer, because I’ve worked so hard.  It has defined me as a player, my work ethic.  I'm not giving up or quitting, I have reached my pinnacle of talent and I’ve realized that there are players who are simply better soccer players.  I have embraced that a large part of what has made me successful on the field are my intangible qualities.  Obviously I have some physical talent, but I've realized that hard work, tenacity, work ethic, and intelligence have all helped me on my journey to a great degree. Those were all great skills in soccer, but those skills will take me even further in the next phase of life. 

A lot of anyone's talents are innate, in you naturally.  But you can add to them and develop them to become the strongest person you can be. Leadership is one of my strongest traits. I know that I have natural leadership abilities, but I’ve also developed those skills with trainings and conferences.  If you recognize your talents you can work towards fine tuning them and using them for maximum impact.

Soccer is the only sport I ever played, but I love all sports and follow all sports.   From a young age I've wanted to be a writer, a journalist.  I was a blogger for my teams as a teenager.  This new position as the  Assistant Editor of Advertising, Marketing and Publications for the Colorodo Rockies is my dream job.  The Rockies publish a monthly magazine and most of the work is done in house by four people, one of which will now include me.  A key component of this position is being the head of social media. I will be in charge of creating ways to connect fans and the organization.  I think it’s a great job for me and encompasses a lot of my talents and skills.  I never expected to walk away from soccer at age 24.  Yet playing professional sports is a nomadic lifestyle and the opportunity for stability and a chance to put down roots called to me.  Soccer in the US is not at a point where you can financially support yourself without being at the top level and being one of the top players.  I admit, I struggled in this decision making process, but know that my decision to move on is best for me and my family long term.  Obviously becoming a family man has played a part in my decision to change careers.  Coming from such a strong family, I knew I wanted to be a family man and that the nomadic lifestyle is hard on a family.  Throughout this process of reflection and decision making my wife was always there to listen, to be my calming force.  What an awesome person she was in the process; as I was questioning if I was going to be able to achieve the goals I'd had since I was a little boy, she was the perfect balance of support and comfort but still allowing me to take ownership of my conclusions and choices. 

With my little sister I talk alot about being balanced. My mom has done a fantastic job of exposing her to so many different things, she is a well-rounded young woman.  Despite Zarek and I's professional soccer success, she knows that an even smaller percentage of woman have the opportunity for professional success in sports.  But it’s so important for her to be an athlete because of the lessons learned-- time management, organization, leadership—wheither you make it professionally or not you will have learned so much being an athlete. 

What do I think makes somebody a smart guy?  I think having a well rounded approach to life, and realizing that you need to be involved in a lot of different things. If you are only involved in one thing you become a one dimensional person. For me, being a smart guy is also about making good choices. Staying away from things that can bring you down and knock you off your track.   Everyone needs a life of balance, to stay focused, and avoiding pitfalls. Leave your comfort zone to expand yourself, even if there are naysayers. Don't worry about what other people say, there will always be people there to support you if you are doing the right thing.

A Thoughtful Smart Guy,

Julian

*Julian is relocating to Colorado and has graciously agreed to check in from time to time and blog updates about his transition!  Stay tuned for part III of the series: A Mother's Story...

Leading by Example: A 'Smart Family's' Story



Zarek Valentin, 4th overall pick in 2011 MLS draft


It's no accident that Julian and Zarek Valentin have had much success so young in life. Each humble, yet confident, are quick to acknowledge those around them who help guide their journeys and encourage their dreams. It is pretty clear that 'smart guys' are a product of 'smart parents', 'smart coaches', 'smart friends', and 'smart families'.  We at 'Smart Guy' are inspired by the story of this 'smart family' and hope that you will be too...

Part I: Zarek Valentin,

 "the baby brother"

It's easy to forget when you are speaking to Zarek that he is only nineteen years old.  His list of accomplishments and accolades, his insight into goal setting and acquisition, his humility; all lore you into thinking you are speaking to a man twice his age.  But the reality is, Zarek is a 19 year old who was recently a first round draft pick for the MLS. A few months earlier he led his college team, the University of Akron, to the NCAA championship game where they clenched the title, the first in the schools history in any sport.  He has played on the US National Team for U-20, U-18, U-17 and U-15.  Zarek made the decision to leave college after his sophomore year to enter the draft after fulfilling a promise to his coach not to leave college to go pro until he had won a national championship. Done. But his things to do list is far from complete and Zarek has a solid plan for continuing his success, starting with being a good teammate to his Chivas USA team this season...

In Zarek's words:

"My goals and habits were embedded in me from such a young age.  My brother Julian set an example for me.  He is five years older than me, but wasn't mean to me and let me tag along and supported me.  We had the same soccer coach so I would show up at the big kids practice with Julian and they would let me participate.  I struggled a lot, being so much younger, but I learned a lot too.  Julian played soccer seven days a week, and I wanted to do what he did.  I wanted to get out there and be like my brothers so I practice extra hours, I would come home from practice and practice. 

I learned early that playing at a higher level means that you have to put in extra hours.  My brother always said that you have to sacrifice things to get to the next level and my mother often reminded me that the best things for you are often the hardest things to do.  Their constant advise and guidance made it okay for me to miss out on some of the typical childhood activities that were going on around me. 

In high school I was surrounded by different things, opportunities to go astray, exposure to drugs and alcohol but I knew that I had a lot going for me and I didn’t want to jeopardize it. At that point I was already in the public eye because of my accomplishments on the field and my mother often reminded me that I had a lot to loose.  'There are eyes on you because people know who you are.  You are representing a lot, don't forget that.' My friends would be out partying and I would be at soccer practice or home getting ready for a game.  But I was blessed to have friends who believed in my goals and my vision for my future.  My friends looked out for me, protecting me, and became invested in what I had to loose.  They steered me away from activities and people, parties, things they felt would jeopardize my future.  I realized that surrounding myself with guys who had the same vision as me, made good decision making a lot easier. 

Some of the most important advise I ever got growing up was to 'keep your highs low and your lows high'.  Meaning, don’t let a good day build you up to get a big head, and when you have a bad day don’t let it bring you down and make you play worse.  Ironically I was given that exact same advise this week at training camp.  I admit that I am hard on myself, and I need to learn not to let failure crush me and keep me from being level-headed.

I’ve had a different childhood than most, I was away from home a lot.  I was gone for two years in high school (participating in an intensive soccer program in Florida for promising athletes) , then home for a year and then off to college.  The academy in Florida was very strict-- curfews, mandatory meals-- it had lots of structure and it was all about sports.  That discipline helped me be prepared for each of the next steps; college and now moving to CA and going pro. 

Coming out of college to go pro was a big decision.  My brother Julian graduated from college, he declined  this exact same opportunity in order to finish school.  I promised my coach we would win a national championship before I left to go pro.  We won the national championship so I met that goal.  But know that, in leaving college, I have not forgotten my education.  I haven’t figured out everything yet but I know that I need a plan outside of soccer that includes education.  Graduating from college is something that is very important to me and I will finish. 

Now I am in the LA area playing for Chivas USA.  Fortunately, I have people out here that I know, guys I met through the national teams, college friends.  I’m already trying to figure out how to make good choices, particularly when it comes to money.  Money is my biggest transition issue right now but I know that if I think ahead I can save up money for my future.  My family has encouraged me to invest my money well and I am setting up the right support team to be able to do that successfully.

My advise for being a 'Smart Guy': you’ve got to find something you love and do it with a smile on your face.  I wanted to be a pro soccer player since I was little and was willing to make sacrifices so that nothing could stop me.  Understand that you will go through hard times but know that things will work themselves out for the best.  My mother always said, 'hard work pays off'.  She's right!"

A 'Smart Guy' from a 'Smart Family',

Zarek



Zarek at University of Akron



Making My Dad Proud: former Steeler Chidi Iwuoma's Road to Success

My father never wanted me to play football or any sports for that matter.  He thought that pro athletes got into a lot of trouble and he and my mother had great plans for my brothers and I that were centered around education and achieving the American dream. Little did he know when I was little, that football would help create the opportunities for me to acquire the academic success he dreamed of for me and give me a chance to positively impact others...

My parents were immigrants from Nigeria, they came to America dreaming of better opportunities for my three brothers and I.  Education was a high priority in my household and seen as the cornerstone for success.  What my parents saw of athletics in the media, set up a belief that sports led to negativity and got in the way of the success they planned for us.  So in addition to the focus on academics, my parents established a steadfast rule for the four of us: no sports.  

 When I was young I lost mother to inner city violence.  My parents were trying to live the  America dream, they worked hard and become business owners. On that tragic day, my mother was working in one of the family stores and was murdered during a robbery attempt. When my mom was killed during that robbery, my dad took it very hard.  In retrospect I can't image what a challenge it was for my dad to deal with grieving and raising four boys at the same time. We grew up in a rough environment, a lot of temptation for the way of life promoted by gangs in the community and easy access to a lot of negativity.  My father stuck to his plan; education was good, sports were bad.  His plan to keep us out of the streets was anchored by a strong focusing on education. 

Despite my dad's views on athletics, I knew there were positive aspects. I would watch the Olympics, the Super Bowl, the Lakers, and I saw good things.  My brothers and I loved to play sports out in the neighborhood with our friends and our dad was okay with these casual, home based games. But even when I began to get noticed in school for my athletic abilities, but my dad wouldn’t let me play organized sports. When I was in elementary school, my brothers took me and signed me up for Pop Warner football.  I was so excited and loved the tryouts and proudly took my pads home after making the team.  My dad took one look at the pads and said no way, take them back. So I focused on school and community and build a reputation as a stand up guy.  I was involved in student government and lots of school based activities, but continued to dream of playing organized team sports. 

My freshman year  of high school I tried out for football and my coach was really impressed with me.  I came up with plan where I went to study hall and got school work done during the day and then went to practice after school for part of the practice and still got home before 4pm.  I got a recruiting letter from Cal Berkeley and was on the varsity squad by the end of my freshman season.  I kept my participation a secret from dad my entire freshman year and halfway through my sophmore year.  The local newspaper did a story about me and put my picture in the paper after a particularly good game which someone showed my dad, causing all hell to break loose. 

The letter from Cal Berkeley turned out to be my saving grace, I showed it to my dad and pointed out the opportunity to get a free education through my abilities on the football field.  Dad finally said if I kept my grades up I could play.  Recruiting letters kept coming in.  I knew I had to keep my grades up in order to play and that was my focus all through high school. I knew I wanted to graduate, get a college degree and make my dad proud.  My senior year I got a bunch of scholarship offers, I was so excited that people were going to pay for me to go to school because I could run with the football.  I could combine my love of the game with my love of education, I couldn't ask for anything more.  I graduated from Pasadena High school and entered the University of California at Berkeley, my dad's favorite school, on a football scholarship.   

My brothers, who were all older than me, didn't get to play sports because of my dad’s beliefs about professional athletes.  But they never begrudged me my experience and my success.  They came to all of my games and made sure I had everything I needed.  They would use their money from their part time jobs to buy me cleats and they would get me wherever I needed to go.  They couldn’t do it but I could and they became my biggest fans.  Their dedication and support of me made me feel important and made a huge impact in the man I've become.

I wanted to graduate from Cal with a degree, that was my main drive from the moment I stepped onto campus. I was good in high school, but coming to one of the top programs in the nation at one of the best schools in the nation, was a whole new game. I had to fall back on my cornerstone, education. I kept trying and studying and working hard academically.  I worked with my academic advisor regularly and studied hard to be a good player and teammate.  It wasn’t until my junior year at Cal that the NFL made it onto my radar as a possible reality.  I got my degree in five years and during that time I decided that I wanted to help student athletes as a career.  My academic advisors my first year was really important and helpful to me and I wanted to become that support for other student athletes wheither or not I went pro. 

I played in the NFL for seven years.  I knew that I was physically able to be there but being mature and being a good person who was goal oriented and wanted to handle business was an important component to staying there.  I was nominated team captain four years in a row.  Besides the obvious money and accolades, that honor by my peers was special to me.  To be voted team captain and not be the superstar comes down to being accountable, guys acknowledge that I would take care of business and lead by example and carry through on goals for the team.  The experience of playing pro football was exciting and fun but it is a business. You are expected to take care of yourself and handle your business of your own accord.  You have to figure out what is expected of you and how you get it done.  My childhood, the goals and expectations my parents and brothers put in place,  were my stepping stones to success.

I am participating in the 'Smart Guy' movement because I want to help young people realize that your last name is important and that you are representing generations of your last name in the way you carry and present yourself. No matter how old you are you are never too young to be a good person.  Becoming a 'smart guy' when you are young is setting yourself up to be successful for the majority of your life.

I've had a pretty good run and it all started with being serious about academics. I played in the NFL for seven years, including five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the opportunity to be a part of the 2005 Super Bowl championship team!  After I retired from the NFL, I returned to Cal and got a master's degree in education.  I currently work as the Assistant Director of Student Athlete Development for Cal Berkeley's football program. My responsibilities are to nurture student development and support them in dealing with classroom, academics, housing-- anything that student athletes need outside of x’s and o’s.  It is what I've wanted to do since my freshman year of Cal,  help guide young, bright minds on what could possibly be their future endeavors.  I’ve been there and done that and that gives me credibility.  I work with all the athletes on a backup plan.  What kind of impression have you left on people that they  would want to do business with you after you graduate?  After you retire?  What kind of person are you?

 I've had the opportunity to show my father that education can lead to success in whatever venue you apply it to, even sports.  I've had the opportunity to carry myself both on and off the field as someone that other's can be proud of and emulate.  And now I have the opportunity to guide young student athletes about making good choices and putting their education to good use, about being 'smart guys'...

Another Smart Guy,

Chidi

The Guts to be a Man: David's Story



David is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which was one of the most segregated cities in the United States when he was a child. He lived in an all black neighborhood plagued by poor schools and poverty.  In 1982 David's parents enrolled him in the "220 Program" one of the first busing programs in the area, a program that would take him from the comfort of the only neighborhood he had ever know out to the 'suburbs' where his mom thought a better education would give him the start he needed to succeed.  Read on to learn how David took the chance his mother gave him and translated it into professional and personal success...

I came from inner city Milwaukee, a single parent home with one brother and sister, no car. From jump you are behind the eight ball because you're not only a African American kid, but you are economically low class, you have very little money and your schools aren't very good.  All of my friends were going to the local school, but my mom made the decision to send me to the suburbs for school.  I was the only black kid for many years, and that was hard for me, but slowly it started to change and more black students started attending the school.  I eventually learned that it was the best thing that could've happened to me when I learned the lesson that ultimately you are a by product of your environment and as a child, your school is one of the biggest, most influential environments in your world. 

In retrospect, it was an issue of race as much as economics.  Unemployment was not an issue in my school community and my peers had parents who were college graduates and siblings who were taking the SAT's when we were in junior high.  They were exposed to different things and had more opportunities than the kids in my neighborhood. I honestly believe that if that same type of opportunity existed in the inner city, you'd see different results. I was exposed to a plethora of good examples of being responsible and being a successful adult.  In the community I lived in there were good role models, but unfortunately, there were an overwhelming number of negative examples, in fact, the negative examples could be found on every street corner.  I have friends to this day from both of the worlds that I lived in as a child, but they all had the same vision, they all got caught up in good things, and they all exhibited positive behaviors.

Another contributor to my success was athletes.  I was involved in athletics from first grade all the way to the professional level.  I was an athlete every day of my life and the threat of not being able to compete because I made a bad choice was a big part of my decision making.  I had practice every day after school and by the time I got home and finished my homework they day was done.  Very little time to get into trouble and trouble never seemed as attractive as competing and winning.  And while athletics is certainly not the end all, be all, athletics can be the vehicle for a child with no other way to get to college, to be able to go. 

Today, I work in corporate America as the Creative Director for ESPN.com.  Walking into the ABC Building in New York City is a long way from inner city Milwaukee.   In corporate America, I know I have to be better than than my coworkers next to me. I knew that as a child, and it continues to be something that drives me today.  I surround myself with forward thinkers and creative learners. I want to lead by example so that the young people around me see what a smart guy does.  But for those who don't get to see me, I want them to know what I believe being a 'Smart Guy' is all about.  Being a 'Smart Guy' is having the ability to have self-confidence in your decisions--to have the ability to zig when everybody else is zagging, and to have the guts and the wherewithal to do that at age twelve, thirteen and fourteen.  I want them to know, that I know, that it takes guts as a boy, trying to be a man, to make the right choice.  But it is easier to do if you can surround yourself with other 'Smart Guys' who are also making the right choice. I am proud to be a 'Smart Guy' and to have surrounded myself with other smart guys and girls. 

A Creative 'Smart Guy',
David

David Marshall Jr. is a Creative Director for ESPN.com and lives in Brookyln, NY with his beautiful wife and 8 year old daughter.  David has also worked at the Washington Post and graduated from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee where his team actually played against and beat  Zach's college team.  He spent four years playing professional soccer before transitioning into the field of design.  he credits a creative mind and the imagination to create something that wasn't there before as a cornerstone of his success.  You can see a snapshot of David's portfolio at http://www.pixelflexmedia.com/