Dr. John Thomas, Master Coach--Leading by Example



Dr. John Thomas coaches, teaches, models and inspires...

"A good coach will make his players see what they can be
rather than what they are." -unknown


John Thomas realized at an early age that he had a calling and a gift, coaching and leadership came naturally to him and others responded to his leadership.  "Because of that realization, anything I do in the world of soccer is never a chore, or a job, its fun, its my destiny."  Dr. JT as he is fondly called by his peers, is driven by the fact that many people don't take advantage of opportunities.  "I realize that doors are often opened to us by grace, by it is our responsibility to walk through that door and take advantage of the opportunity afforded us." 

John Thomas has certainly taken advantage of many opportunities throughout his life and has also created opportunities in order to meet his goals and his personal mission to lead and impact others.  John grew up in a small town in New Jersey, divided by tracks that symbolically and physically separated blacks and whites from one another.  It was a poor town that could not afford many athletic programs at its high school but it did offer soccer.  Soccer became the sport that all of the athletes played in his town and John fell in love with it.  He counts his high school soccer coach, Vince M. with being an amazing role model both as a coach and as a person.  "He was one of the first men I met who stood up for the black students at our school.  He allowed seven or eight black athletes on the soccer field at a time when that simply wasn't happening.  It was the early 1970's and we often found ourselves with police escorts to and from games as well as at games to protect us from the hatred and racism directed as us and our coach," John reflected.  "But despite the tension, controversy and drama surrounding our team, Coach M led us to a 78-1 record during my high school soccer career and I earned the distinction of being a HS All American player."

John went on to college at the University of Maryland where he earned a BA in Sociology and continued to play soccer. "I knew that I wanted to help people and my studies in sociology make it easier for me to deal with the whole person, not just the athlete."  After college John joined the Army, determined to earn a living despite a bad economy.  John would spend the next 23 years in the military, 11 in the Army and 12 in the Navy, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Army and the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Navy by the time he retired in 2003. While in the armed forces John coached the United States, All Navy, All Army AND All Marine soccer teams, winning gold and silver medals in the Armed Forces tournaments.  As the Head Coach of the US Armed Forces National Soccer Team, John led the team to international competition in Italy where the team won First Sportsmanship honors awarded by the International Military Sports Council. He has the distinguished honor of being the only coach to train US Navy, Army, Marine AND United States Armed Forces soccer teams.

While continuing in his role as a coach, soldier, husband and father, John never stopped striving to improve himself academically and earned both a Masters and a PhD in Business Administration.  John has held positions as Assistant Director of Coaching for US Youth Soccer, Adjunct Professor for National University in San Diego, CA, Head Soccer Coach for San Diego Mesa College, and Coach for two Olympic Development Teams.  He currently is running Thomas Soccer, his own company designed to engage young people and train coaches/leaders in under resourced areas.  He knows that soccer provides opportunities across the life spectrum and wants to open that door for young people growing up today. 

One of John's other role models, his Black Studies teacher in HS, Mr. Crawford, taught him to hold his head up and work with pride.  "He encourage us to put our heads up, and challenged us not to look down or slump over when we walked.  That was powerful and important to my classmates, teammates and I.  I want to have that kind of impact, teaching kids about leadership, collaboration and success."  Dr. JT thinks that is what makes him a 'Smart Guy'.  "I believe that if you fail, get back up and try it again.  It's never too late.  Ask for help. Pride can get in the way, don't let it keep you from taking opportunities to move forward and be better."  Dr JT wants all emerging 'Smart Guys' to "always do the best you can, not the best they think you can do, but the best YOU know you can do."

Coach 'Smart Guy',
John Thomas

John is currently working hard with the Black Soccer Association whose mission is to promote soccer in the African American community.  You can learn more about their work at:

http://www.blacksoccerassociation.org/Home_Page.html

Modeling Success: Keith's Story

 Whether kids are striving to be the President, a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer, a CEO, a professional athlete or an entertainer, obtaining all of these careers takes a lot of dedication, focus, hard work, studying and listening. So it seems obvious that teachers, mentors and coaches are a very important factor in guiding youth towards their desired careers.  'Smart Guy' Keith Haliburton guides youth from all of those positions.  He is the Physical Education Department Head, Head Coach for football, cross country, track and field, and an Assistant coach for the basketball teams at Forest Oak Middle School, in Fort Worth, Texas. Keith understands the importance of reaching kids early and helping guide them in the correct path.  “I am a mentor, surrogate parent, counselor, trainer, and on many occasions chauffeur.” Haliburton explained. “I have a lot of responsibilities, but I feel it is the calling God placed on my life to be what I am today.”

Haliburton had no idea that this is where he would end up as he began his college career at Grambling State University. Originally, he had aspirations of being a Physical Therapist. However, after working with the football team’s training staff, and seeing the inside scoop on what athletic trainers have to work with and work on, “I felt it wasn’t for me.” Haliburton said.

During Haliburton’s first semester of his sophomore year, while taking an education class, the teaching path opened up for him. He decided that he would be the “light” for the next generation that others were for him in his life.  “I never saw myself as a leader type,” Haliburton said. “Especially being able to lead young minds to a better way of thinking, acting, way of life through education, but after taking a class or two, I began to see how it made total sense for my life.” 

This path to becoming an educator, coach and mentor was not a smooth one for Haliburton. “I grew up on the north side of Fort Worth, up the road from “Dog City,”  and Samson Park, over on 32nd street.” Haliburton said. “At the time the 'Crips' street gang was prevalent. My environment was tainted by poverty. Racism was evident in both the community and in the school I attended. I was called all kinds of racial slurs. I even remember having to face bigotry from educators when I was trying to get into honors classes. I even had to deal with being called a 'sell out' or ‘white boy,’ or 'gay' my first year at Grambling, because I was about my books, and track and field, and I did not put a lot of emphasis on the women.”

As a devout Christian, Haliburton used his faith in God and prayer to get over most of the obstacles that appeared to block his path.  “With most of my challenges, I got over them through prayer and talking with people I trusted like my parents and close friends,” Haliburton continued. “I sacrificed the negative temporary pleasures of life for the positive pleasures of the future. I took time to really assess situations and cross reference them with other peoples experiences so that I would (a) not make the same mistakes and (b) make good use of the resources I had been given.”  Keith understands that there are going to be times that he will make decisions that are not the best, but as long as he takes the opportunity to learn from them and assure that bad decision will not occur twice, he believes that is what makes him a 'smart guy'.

“Do I make mistakes, heck yeah! Am I perfect, not even in the slightest. However, as I make decisions I think heavily about the consequence on a heavenly perspective and not a worldly perspective. I would also have to say taking in wise counsel (from people who have been there and truly have good in their heart for you and knowing how to discern those types of people). Always making sure that if I give my word; I follow up on what I promised, to give the best of my ability. I also feel choosing to go to school at Grambling State University was a pivotal decision in my life. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today… I am somebody.”

Haliburton always advises people to live life fully, yet not at the expense of someone else’s happiness. Treat people, as you would expect to be treated. Sacrifice and work hard to achieve your success. Appreciate those that love and respect you through reciprocation of the same sentiments.  Forgive others for what they do to you, because it allows greater personal growth. Do right by your body because you only have one, exercise! “For those that are believers in Jesus,” Haliburton said. “I would also offer to you to remember who’s you are, and remember he’s watching and evaluating your actions to see how you’re bringing glory to his name. And for my non-believers, do well in the world there is enough bad already.”

Haliburton is consistently impacting the lives of the youth that he comes in contact with on a daily basis. He is providing the kids with a positive African American male role model that many of the kids do not see until they get to Forest Oak. Haliburton routinely pushes his students to be the best that they can be and to go after what they want out of life, whether it being a professional athlete, doctor, lawyer, president or even his own profession, a teacher and coach.

“My focus is on the kids I serve.” Haliburton said. “We as teachers, coaches and after school programs are already  under funded and now the nation is on the bandwagon of cutting funding for education and youth development. Our youth don’t stand a chance with this way of thinking, it simply can't be every man for themselves."

An Educated 'Smart Guy',

Keith



a student athlete from Keith's school

The Makings of a Renaissance Man: Guy Wood Jr's Story

Leon Alberti, an Italian author, artist, priest and philosopher (who is often held up as the ideal model of the Renaissance or Universal Man) said, "...a man can do all things if he will."  A simple thought, but quite a complicated plan.  However, Guy Wood Jr. has set his mind to doing all the things on his TTD list, which include successfully launching his jewelry line, Beads by Wood, building a business empire, finishing his education and making a name for himself.  At the tender age of 22, Guy speaks thoughtfully of his plans, is aware of barriers and has a quiet confidence in his abilties, both as a designer and a businessman that make you believe that if he can, he will.  We at 'Smart Guy' are confident that you will see and hear a lot more of this young, smart designer as he continues his journey and accomplishes his goals.  In addition to creating his business empire, Guy is in his last semester of college and is slated to graduate in May 2011 with a degree in business management. Keep reading to learn more about Guy's journey and his advice to other young people...


What was the catalyst for you starting Beads by Wood?

     A conversation with my father.  At the time I was working two jobs, a day job and a night job to support myself, while still going to school as well.  He told me that I needed to quit one of my jobs and start working on a career.  We talked about the different things I was good at, the things that I liked.  I started working on the custom bracelets and gave them to a few people ad they gave me a great response, people seemed to really like them, so I decided to keep making them and create a business around them.  I've been shocked at the response Beads by Wood has gotten and the diversity of the clientele.  I didn't initially realize that the pieces would strike such a chord with so many different audiences.  I design and make them all myself.  When I see the piles of stones, I can instantly see in my mind how they would work together.  So aside from custom orders for customers who want a specific combination or design, I come up with all the designs and make them myself.  So I'm still working two jobs to make ends meet, but one of those jobs is my company and that makes a big difference. 

What were some of the challenges you've had to conquer growing up and what did you learn from them?
    
     Growing up is about learning, but one of the biggest things I've learned is not to repeat my mistakes.  I've learned that one mistake can make a big difference in how your life can turn out.  I've learned to detect the real people from the fake people, the people who want to be around me for me, not for what I have.
     Being around 5001 flavors (created and run by his father and stepmother) growing up opened up my mind to knowing that I wanted my own business.  I never wanted to grow up and work for someone else, I always wanted to work for myself.  Even in high school, I was an entrepreneur and sold custom t-shirts to my peers.

What advice would you give to other young people who want to start their own business?

     To never give up on your dreams, no matter how hard it gets because the sky really is the limit.  I believe that if you truly believe in your dream and work hard, positive things will happen to you. My main challenge in running my business is time management.  You have to plan out everything because its so easy to get sidetracked when there is so much on your plate.  So I challenge myself to keep a nice schedule and to always be on time.

Who are some of your role models?

     #1 is my father.  I never had to look up to celebrities because my father always led by example.  His work ethic inspires me to this day and I respect the sacrifices he made and makes for my family to live the way we live today.  I wouldn't be where I am today without the sacrifices he made and I tip my hat to him.

What do you think makes someone a 'Smart Guy'?

     A 'smart guy' is someone who thinks before he acts.  Knowing that if the people around you are doing negative things its going to effect you negatively.  A 'smart guy' is a well-rounded invidual.  He is not afraid to stand away from the pack. 

A 'Smart Guy' on the rise,
Guy Wood Jr.

Guy Jr. has graciously committed to being a 'Smart Guy' sponsor and has donated great Beads by Wood pieces for the young people who are participating in the 'Smart Guy' Movement through our 'Smart Guy' schools and teams.  If you would like to purchase a Beads by Wood piece or commission a custom piece, you can contact Guy at gwood5001@aol.com . You can also view more pieces of his collection and like him at www.facebook.com/beadsbywood

Taking Flight: Martin's Journey

At the age of 5, I can vividly remember looking up at my dad in his suit and tie with an wing pin inserted onto the right side of the lapel on his jacket, as he walked up the driveway to our house. As my lips spread from ear to ear, I would see two huge arms reaching out in my direction. Instantly his hands were beneath my arms, and I could no longer feel the earth beneath my feet. My stomach had this anxious, queasy feeling as my head tilted backwards and my arms reached out from side to side as far as they could go. It was at that moment that, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to be a pilot.

My name is Martin Miller, and I am currently one of the few black airline pilots for Continental Airlines. My inspiration was my dad, he was in the Navy for 20 years and when he retired from there he went to United Airlines and spent 30 years there. He never flew a plane but just being in that atmosphere, around the planes with him, influenced my desire to become a pilot and that desire never left me growing up. So now, that is where I am, flying the big ones.

My dad was my role model he always instilled in me the value of giving everything I had to everything that I do. Always give 100 percent don’t give anyone a reason to take something from you that you want, he would say. I always knew to stay on the 'Smart Guy' path, which for me included earning good grades and staying away from the wrong or negative crowds. I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up since I was a child and I didn’t want or let anything throw me off that path. I studied hard while my friends were outside playing. If my friends wen't out partying, I knew I was staying away from that. I never thought of it like living like a smart guy, but I just focused on doing what was needed to get to where I wanted to be and to achieve my goal. I always weighed options before I made a decision to do something, what are the pros and cons, what will my dad think or what would he do in that situation. That hesitation kept me out of a lot of sticky situations and that is what I think distinguishes the 'Smart Guys' from others, their ability to think before they act.

I must tell you that it was not easy, and that there were many barriers that almost stopped my dream. One was the fact that I had asthma and I found out that the military didn’t take pilots that were asthmatic or had a history of it. I thought that I would never fly because the military was the only way I knew one could become a pilot for the airlines.  As I went through high school and I began to participate in sports, and my asthma didn’t bother me much, I thought that I had grown out of asthma. After speaking with a few people in the flying industry, I was informed that if I was healthy enough to play football, I could pass the physical training portion of the process to get in flight school. At that point I was rejuvenated and pushed forward with my dream. I began looking into the Air Force ROTC programs at San Jose State. As different things happen through college and one thing led to another, I started researching the civilian route to fly and ended up leaving the ROTC program to take the civilian route. I took a chance because if things worked out the way I planned, I could be flying 10 years earlier than the military route.

Another barrier for me was the entrance policy to become a pilot. To be selected, you had to be at the top of your class, graduated from college, and top of your ROTC program. Those guys take the top slots for the pilot positions and if you go the civilian route it has a lot to do with luck, who you know, timing, and skills. Unfortunately, the skills will get you to a certain point and then you have to hope that you approach the airlines are a time when they are hiring. It took a lot of hard work, focus and dedication to get to this point. I had some help and made connections with OBAP (Organization of Black Airline Pilots) to get me to Continental Airlines. They helped to get me on the same page as a large corporate organization and taught me things like how to interview to make sure I was ready when opportunity arose.

I am the first and only pilot in my family and that is a big accomplishment for me. It goes back to my dad believing in me and giving me that extra pushing to be the best because he knew that is what I wanted to do, and that I could do it. I get a lot of joy when I see people of color step onto this plane and see me, an African American man, as the pilot of their flight. Most of them look at me with a look of wow, some come up to me and shake my hand, some give me a smile, and some say congratulations. Some of my co-workers will look at me and they do not understand what happened. I tell them not to worry about it. I get joy out of knowing that these people trust me with their lives and getting them to their family, friends or business engagements. For the most part people of color are happy to see other people of color in high positions like this because you do not see a lot of us in these places. The numbers are growing thankfully. The number is still incomparable to the majority of pilots but I am proud to say currently here at Continental we have quite a few. I think it is good for the youth of all colors to see what we are doing. When I was little I can’t recall ever seeing a pilot of color and if I had it would have gave me even more drive to achieve that goal. Now that you have myself and a handful of other pilots at different airlines, it may just give kids of different nationalities and ethnicities hope to become a pilot one day.

Some of the good decisions that I had to make to get to where I currently am are in the Smart Guy creed. I stayed away from drugs. Not only would my dad have tore up my tail up if I had gotten involved in that, but I knew that I couldn’t make it to be the pilot I wanted to be if I got involved in all that negativity. Being completely focus on getting grades was what my dad stressed; the importance of getting straight A’s to separate you from everyone else. I couldn’t let anything like drugs, partying, getting involved with the wrong crowd or alcohol affect my dream. I kept my eye on the prize and stayed away from things that I knew could possibly hinder me from achieving my goal. I took that approach to everything. I wanted to be an airline pilot and I wanted it bad. My parents always drilled in my head if you want something as a young man of color you have to be one step above the rest, you can’t give anybody any reason to tell you no, because some people will be looking for that reason when you walk in the door to turn you down, don't give it to them. You have to know that some people are going to try to stereotype you and put you somewhere you don’t want to be, my mother would say. If you have a great foundation, you can say I have the skills and experience and I want this job and there won't be anything they can tell you to keep you away.

My advice to young people first and foremost is to never give up on your goal or dream. Go to school and get the best grades you can get, go to college get a degree. It’s hard to get there but the gratification trumps all of that hard work. For me, that gratification came when the guy called me up from Continental and told me that I had the job, I was going to officially be a pilot! There it was, I did what I had set out to do as a kid. I accomplished my goal, and it was one of the best days of my life. So don’t just settle, because if you do you will be miserable. Figure out what it is you want and push for it with everything that you have and don’t let anything stop you from achieving what it is you want to do.     

A 'Smart Guy' in the sky,

Martin

The little 5 year old boy, whose first flight came from his dad wings, now leads other little boys and girls including his son and daughter on flights all over the world between the wings of 737 airplanes. 

     

Smart by Design: Guy's Story



Guy Wood in his company headquarters

 Guy Wood is the talented designer behind the custom-made designs of 5001 FLAVORS, a custom-made apparel company that has supplied the entertainment industry with tailored clothing of the highest caliber since 1990. Guy was born, raised and educated in New York City's historic community, Harlem. But Guy's current position in the spotlight, as the fashion genius behind many of today's hottest celebrities wasn't an accident it was a choice...

'I didn't go the college but committed myself to work hard and honest to get ahead. Always had a great work ethic just knew that college was not for me. After working full time out of high school, I started my own consulting business with several partners almost 20 years ago after realizing that the type of success and self-fulfillment I wanted would never come from working for some one else. I always loved fashion and looking fly and loved the idea of being paid to do something I loved. Finding a way to get paid for something you love and would do for free is great. I love working with my celeb and athlete clients. Surrounding myself with positive people doing positive things is also one of the things that has helped me become the man I am today. Growing up in Harlem in the 70's and 80's I saw a lot of negative influences and know a lot of people that aren't here right now due to a number of bad choices. I made a conscious decision after seeing some close friends make some poor choices that I was going to surround myself with people doing great things. Great opportunities come when you surround yourself with greatness."

An Original Smart Guy,

Mr. Guy Wood

About 5001 Flavors: 

Fashion has always had a large degree of relevance in the entertainment industry as actors, musical artists and sports stars often become just as famous for their sense of style as they are for their talent.  Satisfying that need has been the success of 5001 FLAVORS, a custom-made apparel company that has supplied the entertainment industry with tailored clothing of the highest caliber since 1990. Since that time, such high-profile clients as Will Smith, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Lopez, Jamie Foxx, Lebron James, Queen Latifah, Jay Z and Shaquille ONeal have commissioned our designers to make butter-soft leather pants, high-octane fur jackets, sleek business suits and many other stylish garments. From Sean P. Diddy Combs to Mariah Carey, Scott Stapp to Timbaland, Hezekiah Walker to Usher, Jadakiss to Raven Symone, N'Sync to the late great Notorious BIG, 5001 FLAVORS maintains an impressive clientele list and formidable brand recognition in the music industry. Click here to see some of 5001's creations...

Three Smart Brothers

My Backbone...

It is said that each action has a reaction. We feel this is a true statement--short term gratification can ultimately set you up for long term suffering and each person, young or old, must be willing to accept that trade off. Choice is such an elementary word, you learn how to spell it and what it means as a first grader, but yet it impacts you your entire life. Choice has separated many people who become labeled good or bad, smart and not so smart.

We witnessed a lot of people while growing up making bad choices when we were growing up. We decided when we were kids not to make those same bad choices. We are not saying it was easy but when you have a support group like we had with each other and a very strong mother who guided us,  the good choices become less difficult. Why people make bad choices, our mother would say, is that they want to be popular and they want to have friends. But you guys have each other. When all is said and done your brothers and I are going to be your backbone. So that is what we did.


We have never really considered ourselves to be smart guys, but others may. We just think we are regular guys that made smart decisions, decisions such as not taking the easy route of getting on the corner but by challenging each other to go to school. We all chose Grambling State University and finishing with a degree or two. This, our education, was something that we feel is invaluable because no one can take it away from us.

Making the choice to earn our degrees assisted us to build bridges that allowed us to enter fields of our choice. Ontario Money Johnson is currently working as an investigator with the Department of Labor, Michael Tron Beavers is currently working as an investigator with the State of California and Keyon Johnson works within the NFL, LFL, NBA as well as the Pac-10. The three of us are big sports fans and community-oriented and with these characteristics, we decided to combine the love of sport with the community and established our new venture, Pick 6 Flag Football LLC www.pick6ff.com.  The mission of Pick 6 Flag Football is to create positive and competitive flag football tournaments throughout the year that gather the community together to promote the social, athletic and competitive spirit of football. Our events provide opportunities for adults and children, regardless of their age, race, nationality, economic status, and sexual orientation to enjoy healthy competition, develop teamwork skills, good self-esteem, and learn the fundamentals of fair play and good sportsmanship.

We will tell anyone that is willing to listen is that anything you want to do in life is possible. We have proven that through our story. We looked up to positive people in and around our lives that we could actually see and talk to.  We didn't really look up to celebrities because they never came to where we lived.  Our mother was the 'Smart Woman' that we saw doing everything she could to secure the best for us.  So please do not use anything as a crutch, obstacles are definitely going to come into your life but smart guys know how to fight through them and choose to keep pressing forward. Set goals that you want to achieve and then set objectives or ways you can achieve those goals. Then follow that path and you will get to where you want to be.

Three Smart Brothers,

Ontario Money Johnson, Michael Tron Beavers, Keyon Johnson

You can follow their ventures Pick 6 Flag Football LLC at www.pick6ff.com And be sure to check out Keyon's Superbowl project At the 50 Yard Line www.atthe50yardline.com

Behind Every Smart Man...

...A Tribute to My 'Moms'

I was raised by mom, a woman who put herself through college while raising four children. Growing up I realized that to get ahead you had to use your head. I knew that I wanted to be somebody that made a difference, I didn't know how or where I would make a difference, but I knew I had to expand my exposure to the world to figure it out.

I always knew that I wanted to play sports at the next level and often dreamed of what the success would feel like. I immersed myself in sports and became extremely passionate about soccer. Soccer opened up a new environment outside of my neighborhood, a neighborhood where cool was hanging on the corner. Somewhere along this journey I realized the importance of the lessons mom was instilling in me. She would tell me that I didn't have to settle that I could be and do whatever I wanted. She told me I needed to pay attention to my surroundings, that I needed to do the right thing even when no one was looking. She also told me that I had choices, that I needed to make education decisions about the directions I would choose and that I was a role model to my younger brothers and sisters.

My mom was an educator for 35 years and recognized the power of education, so she pushed me to maximize my potential in the classroom. I knew that if I didn't pass my classes that I would not have any chance to experience sports at the collegiate level. It wasn't until my college days that I fully realized that truly being smart was having a well-rounded education that would give me great opportunity to taste success beyond soccer and beyond college. I realized I was smarter than I thought and I also realized that being armed with a degree was not enough, I had to blend everything that I experienced into creating the guy that I wanted to be. Being smart included my mother's wisdom, my college education, my street smarts and my street credibility. I knew I did not know it all, but the multi-faceted education I had provided me with the confidence that I could learn anything, that my future would be full of new learning experiences, and that I would accomplish good things.

So here is what I know to be true: being smart is the confidence to dream big and then take the right steps to make those dreams happen. I am proud that I will pass on my knowledge to not only my own children, but the children I come in contact with in my community and my job, in hopes that as many children as possible will raise the bar and have 'a dream'.


Another Smart Fellow,
Smitty



Rob is a father, husband and community leader and advocate. He currently serves as the Philadelphia Union's Vice President of Soccer Development in Chester, PA. He has previously held positions as a coach and administrator for FC DELCO, one of the premiere soccer clubs in the nation, and as an executive for NIKE.

The Power of Expectations: Omar's Story...

I grew up the youngest of five, in a single-parent household and attended a public school in North Philadelphia. I experienced everything you would guess came along with those social status--poverty, violence, despair and the loss of family and friends. While the odds were against me at a young age, I had several things going for me that contributed to my success and determination. For one, I was part of a loving family. Secondly, i was always a good student, in fact, I was a straight A student and the Valedictorian of my high school graduating class. I was also a good athlete, an All-City basketball player, and City of Philadelphia best student-athlete my senior year. Lastly, I was a big dreamer. I always though there was more to life than the small world I was exposed to as a youngster in Philadelphia.

I used my education as a springboard for everything in my life. Through much hard work and a little luck, I attended some of the best schools in the country. I realized that there is a certain confidence and strength in education. Sort of like that personal joke that no one else understands but always makes you smile. As you advance academically, you begin to see yourself differently and others notice the change and respond. I heard someone say recently, "children are a product of expectations-what they expect from themselves, and what others expect of them. The advice I offer young people is to push yourself in the classroom, expect the best of yourself and those around you and preserve the ability to dream. No matter what your circumstances, do not let those 'dream killers' convince you that you can't accomplish something that you set your mind to do.

Omar

'Another Smart Guy'

Omar is a financial analyst with a masters in business. He is a proud husband and father of three and volunteers as a coach in his community in order to impact and inspire as many young people as possible.