Jack and Jill and the Beautillion experience thoroughly explained and demonstrated the significance of realizing my God-given potential, and it is self-explanatory in the caption, "A Man Among Men." As a man among men, it is not acceptable to "just get by" because our communities depend on me to make the future; progress in our governments, schools and all institutions. We, gifted African-Americans, have been given a charge to keep, and Jack and Jill not only reminds us of that charge but also provides us with a fraternity-like networking system so that we may not only keep our charge, but also build on it.

After my Beautillion in 2004, I felt teased because that was my first interaction with Jack and Jill; an interaction that had the most influence in the 180-degree transformation that I made in my life. At the time of my acceptance as a Beau, I was not excelling in all my endeavors, more specifically my academics. In my extra-curricular activities, I received league recognition, held multiple captain positions, and even participated in various dance performances; yet academically, I was "just getting by."

Through Jack and Jill, I was able to go on the Sojourn to the Past trip, which allowed me to go on an actual tour of the Civil Rights Movement. I am forever grateful for that experience, because I had the opportunity to fully understand the roots of this tree, of which I am a only branch. As a matter of fact, my joyous and newfound purpose in life, instilled in me a completely different spirit, that touched the hearts of the fellow Beaux in my group to nominate me "Best All Around Beau."

I graduated from Saint Ignatius College Preparatory High School, and am now a full-time student at Pace University in New York City where I am aspiring to attain a BA in Marketing with an Advertising and Promotions concentration.