Hobbies and interests
American Sign Language (ASL)
Bible Study
Community Service And Volunteering
Writing
Child Development
Volleyball
Reading
Christianity
Action
Adventure
Fantasy
I read books daily
Benjamin Dadson
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WinnerBenjamin Dadson
1,785
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WinnerBio
My name is Benjamin Dadson. My family originates from Ghana, Africa. I currently attend Howard University as a Freshman Psychology major.
I love my culture, as well as other cultures. Learning about different things always piques my interest. Additionally, I love spending time with my friends. I cherish every moment, as memories are all we have left of those that are gone.
I love writing and helping people, so my dream jobs involve being a psychologist and author. I have a strong passion for helping children-how can I not when they're the next generation and full of innocence? For this reason, I want to be a child psychologist. Furthermore, I consumed a large number of action-adventure pieces growing up. This is my inspiration for wanting to be an author.
Helping people is something that I enjoy. In a world that seems to be gradually getting worse, I'd like to remain light for others. Even if someone does me wrong, I'll still help them if they ask for it. I believe I've done it so much that kindness has simply become an instinct for me.
I always strive to excel and do my best. A character trait that I graciously picked up from my parents. I don't just want to make them proud, but myself as well. My biggest goal in life is self-improvement; I consistently aim to be better and stronger.
Education
Howard University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Psychology, General
C.D. Hylton High
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
Career
Dream career field:
Mental Health Care
Dream career goals:
Crew Member
Defy Woodbridge2021 – 20221 yearWater Safety Instructor
Prince William County Aquatics Center2022 – Present2 years
Sports
Soccer
Club2017 – 20181 year
Basketball
Club2016 – 20171 year
Public services
Volunteering
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1503 — Volunteer2022 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Juanita Robinson English Book Scholarship
WinnerOver two years ago, I lost a man that I considered to be a brother. A man that brought out the best of my personality and allowed me to truly be myself. A man who I was never able to beat in the fighting game Injustice 2. A man that was truly a light in the darkness of the world. What could snuff out such a light? The same thing that has snuffed out many lights like him: Suicide.
In addition to grappling with a new identity, my friend was wrongly accused of a crime. These demons haunted him long after he proved the truth of the crime. They haunted him until he made his final decision. I've done my best to carry on his legacy of positivity and check on his family since then. Nonetheless, the scar on my heart remains. A scar that burns like an inferno, as it fights for the mental health of men-my fellow brothers.
Of all the social issues that I can think about, this one is possibly the most overlooked and the most laughed at. In modern society, misandry has become acceptable, whereas misogyny is still rightfully condemned. While the LGBT community is celebrated in June during Pride Month, Men's Mental Health Month, which also occurs in June, is heavily dismissed. The world has evolved into a place that openly hates men and gladly silences, invalidates, and weaponizes their emotions whilst generalizing all the bad apples of the tree.
How can we tell men that it's not okay to cry, and restrict them from a human emotion? How can we care for them as children, but seemingly lose that care once they pass adolescence? How can we deny them of justice when they are abused? How can we falsely accuse them and ruin their lives, and let their perpetrators escape justice? How can we openly hate men and declare that they are not needed, whilst good fathers and laborers exist? What example are we setting for our young boys?
Respectfully, I'd be willing to bet my life that whoever reads this essay, may have been guilty of these crimes against men. The whole world is guilty, and even worse, loves to avoid accountability when it comes to these sins by responding with, "Well, who made the system in the first place?" But a response like that is not the "gotcha!" moment that the world thinks it is. No good productivity has ever come from victim-blaming. Instead of pointing fingers, the world should be working on solutions.
I plan to become a child psychologist and an author. With the former, I can help the youth with whatever battles they fight, before they reach a breaking point. With the latter, I can raise awareness and create stories that resonate with men who are suffering from the lack of love and care the world has for them, in addition to their own battles. Until then, I will continue to spread love and kindness, checking on people and sharing facts regarding mental health. I urge whoever reads this to do the same. If our human obligation is to help each other, then that includes everyone who is human. Not just women, children, the impoverished, the ones who suffer from war. But our men as well. It's up to each and every last human to fix the world. If I still haven't convinced you, then allow me to leave you with a question to ponder. What would you do to ensure that your brother, son, father, cousin, or best friend doesn't ever commit suicide?