When asked what inspired me to attend the illustrious South Carolina State University and pursue a major in physical education, it is not a “what” that inspired me, but rather a who. The person that inspired me to attend South Carolina State University was my high school physical education teacher, Mr. Adams, who is also an alum of the university. Throughout a child’s life, they want to know that they are loved and supported, and Mr. Adams was a consistent person throughout my high school career that provided this sense of security for me. As I faced many adversities, Mr. Adams was always there to comfort me and helped me through every situation. He inspired me to want more for myself, to make better life decisions, and therefore, ultimately inspired me to attend college. Mr. Adams played a pivotal role in my life and helped shape me into the person that I am today. He was not only just a high school physical education teacher to me, he was a mentor and a father figure. Due to Mr. Adams’ guidance in my life, he inspired me to pursue a higher education in teaching, specifically in physical education as well. The role of a teacher is to connect with your students on a deeper level, understand them while also meeting them where they are at, and ultimately inspire the students to live and become their wildest dreams. Mr. Adam did all of these things for me and showed me that any and everything was within my reach and I aspire to do the same for the next generation, specifically for those from the small town of Batesburg, South Carolina. Once I decided that I would become an educator, I joined “Upward Bound'' which is a program that gives high school students an early college experience. While in Upward Bound, students were provided the opportunity to tour the campus of South Carolina State University and while on this tour was when I fell in love with the university and the tight knit black community of the campus. Throughout the tour I was able to see and experience everything that the university had to offer such as learning more in depth about the college of education, different scholarships available, extracurricular activities (intramural sports, clubs, etc.), as well as meeting the professors. The tour guides, current college students, and the professors all stressed the importance of every single students’ education and personal success, and how the professors are committed to ensuring that all students are not only learning, but excelling in their majors and in their classes. Also on the tour I was able to meet with the director of the “Call Me Mister” program which provides African American males like me with leadership development skills and prepares us to become teachers and role models in elementary schools. During the tour, South Carolina State University felt like home, my home, and I wanted to be a part of the unique bond everyone shared with each other and to eventually become a graduate of the university. I am the person I am today because of the influence Mr. Adams had on me and my life. Mr. Adams inspired me to become an educator and with this opportunity to teach, I can guide young black men in our community to respect themselves and others, help provide them with a good personal image, and help them accomplish their future goals. I knew that attending South Carolina State University would provide me with the tools/ resources to achieve these goals while also shaping me into a better man.