What is your year and major?

I would consider myself a senior since I have less than 40 credits until I graduate. I actually was a student here from 2010 to 2012 for physical education with a minor in athletic coaching, but my program was discontinued due to budget cuts. I took a break in-between to work and raising my son, and about nine months ago, I ended up in a coma. After having that near-death experience, I decided to come back and finish school now, majoring in multidisciplinary studies, which has three emphases of study: physical education, communications, and journalism.

Why did you choose to come to UNLV?

I’m originally from Oakland, CA, so the Bay Area is home for me. Growing up, my aunt was a showgirl for the Jubilee here in Las Vegas, a huge dance production back then, so naturally, I visited Las Vegas a few times. During the time of my decision, Isaiah Rider, a former NBA player, attended UNLV under the famous coach Jerry Tarkanian. It was a great time to be a Rebel. UNLV had just made the tournament, and Dave Rice had just been named the new coach, so things were looking up. Plus, UNLV had my major. I was thankful to get accepted to UNLV because I wanted nothing more than to graduate as a Rebel.

                                                                                           

What role has the ASC played in your success at UNLV?

It is a good feeling to have a strong support system in your corner. When I enrolled back into UNLV, fresh out of my coma, I was unaware I had a balance on my account, resulting in my classes dropping. Nick Hainesworth and Sal Mora made sure this hurdle did not set me back. They took time out of their day to email my teachers once everything was taken care of at cashiering and both just helped me get through the tough times and rehabilitate my standing here at the university. I am also appreciative of Ms. Cassie at the ASC. She, too, gave me a lot of helpful information to figure out some solutions for some problems I was having here at the university. Even though I am no longer an Exploring Majors student, I always stop by to speak to them.

What tips do you have for non-traditional students?

I’ve always believed in a higher power throughout my life and just had that in my corner when trials and tribulations came my way. So first, I suggest finding another power that’s not yourself. That will allow you to take a couple of deep breaths. Another thing I would say is to tell your authentic story. There will be trials and tribulations and things you don’t necessarily agree with. If you tell your story and feel confident in your story, there are people here who want to help you be successful. However, they can only help if they know what you need help with.

What would you say has been the most challenging experience as a college student? How did you overcome that challenge?

The most challenging thing for me was the budget cuts. I’m still having a hard time with that because I had to start over with a new major. Like I said before, there will be things that discourage you, but if this is truly your passion, I believe that somehow, some way, you can find people like Nick and Sal that don’t have a hidden agenda and want to help people genuinely. I think there are many people like that on campus which makes the experience of being a student here worth it.

Who is a person in your life that has been highly influential? Why?

I would say my son. We have the same name, both are Libras, and currently, we wear the same sized shoe. That kid is really like my twin. Once I had him, I had the mentality of not giving up. Even after what I just went through, waking up to things I didn’t go to sleep with like being connected to a ventilator, the first thing on my mind was my child. Once I woke up, all I wanted to hear was his voice. Also, my mother who is no longer here with us was very influential. Her survival instincts and her ability to teach how to survive. Lastly, my grandma. We always talk about basketball, and after the coma, she said she was tired of me being at home and watching the games on TV and telling her what was happening in the games. Instead of sitting there talking to her about it, she told me I needed to get out and make a living out of doing that. That is what pushed me to come back to get my degree.

What are your plans for the summer?

I currently coach basketball. I coach a major AAU program that actually the NBA player Lebron James played for. It's called the Oakland Soldiers. We just came back from Anaheim a few weeks ago. We’ll be heading to Irvine and then back here in Las Vegas. Even this weekend coming up, we have tournaments in the Bay Area. So, I’ll be doing that on top of taking two classes this summer and going from there.

Let’s say we finish this interview, and you step outside your door and find a winning lottery ticket. What would you do?

Honestly, every day I wake up is like a lottery ticket. That allows me to enjoy one more again. That is my lottery ticket. Being able to be a coach and being a father. The ability to wake up every day and know my son’s okay. Those are my lottery tickets and I am thankful for that. To answer your question, I would cash it in and still finish school and finish my education. That’s the purpose of me being here.