As a Black man, my journey has been shaped by navigating through challenges from an early age. Growing up in a low-income Black family, the struggle to pay rent and afford basic necessities was a constant presence in our lives. Despite my parents working tirelessly in full-time jobs, we relied on public transportation, the thrift store gems from Goodwill, and simple yet hearty meals like TV dinners and instant ramen. These weren’t just financial choices; they were the everyday realities that shaped my understanding of strength and perseverance. Even though I am not perfect, I believe I am an overcomer worthy of love. And I believe you are worthy of loving and being loved.

As a Black clinical psychology doctoral student, I navigate a complex landscape of rugged individualism, materialism, and meritocracy that reflects a default Eurocentric perspective that is not in alignment with my cultural values and worldviews as a Black man of African ancestry.

• I aim to break free of these harmful values and customs. 
• I aim to break the chains of conventional ideas and theories that fall short of capturing Black folks’ lived experiences and cultural nuances.
• I choose freedom from the fear of repercussions that can stifle genuine beliefs and limit the potential for transformative change.

However, integrating my passion for breakdancing, or Bboying, with my clinical psychology career posed its own challenges. Balancing self-expression with professional expectations was like dancing through a maze. Initially nudged to stifle my artistic side, I soon discovered that authenticity is the heartbeat of true connection. Breakdancing for over 10 years not only etched its mark on my personal journey, but profoundly shaped my approach to psychological understanding and practice.