My Story
Growing up, I was raised by a single mother after the passing of my father. While I did not have my father present, I was fortunate to have strong male role models in my life through my uncles and grandfather, then later on, the mentors at the Male Place. They taught me the importance of hard work, respect, and perseverance. From a young age, I developed an interest in building things, learning about history, and understanding how things work. Those interests eventually grew into a passion for technology and agriculture.
Throughout elementary and middle school, I attended STEM-focused schools where I developed a strong interest in computers and problem-solving. I was also a starter on my middle school basketball team, which taught me discipline, teamwork, and accountability. When I entered high school, I continued pursuing basketball while also exploring new academic interests, including food science and engineering.
There were moments when my ideas were overlooked until repeated by someone else, or when people underestimated my intelligence before truly getting to know me. I have noticed how some people would try to talk to me about sports or other lower-level thinking. There was a time in 8th grade when my STEM experiment didn't work, and I was going to change the plan, learn from my mistakes, and try again, but one of my teammates took the project away from my then when I tried to talk about the project, the teacher immediately took her side and didn't let me participate.
One of the most important decisions I made as a freshman was joining The Male Place. What began as an opportunity to connect with other young men quickly became a second family. Through mentorship, community service, leadership development, and agricultural projects, I gained confidence and purpose. The organization helped me grow into a leader and eventually serve as Chief Warrior. In that role, I have mentored younger students, represented the organization at community events, and helped lead projects that positively impact our community.
My experiences through The Male Place opened doors I never imagined. I participated in leadership programs, community initiatives, and educational opportunities that expanded my vision for the future. A life-changing experience was traveling to Ghana, where I learned about African history, culture, and agriculture. Standing on the same soil where my ancestors once lived gave me a deeper understanding of my identity and inspired me to pursue a career that would benefit others.
In 2024, I traveled to Ghana, where I learned more about African history, culture, and traditions. Visiting Ghana gave me a deeper appreciation for identity and community, while also helping me understand the connections between the past and present. Seeing the importance of agriculture, while studying natural science at Cape Coast. In 2025, I participated in a trip to Montgomery, Alabama, where I studied the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Visiting historical sites connected to leaders and activists showed me the sacrifices that people made in the fight for equality and justice. It reminded me that many of the opportunities I have today exist because others were willing to stand against discrimination and oppression. That experience motivated me to become more active in leadership and community service. In 2026, I am traveling to Cape Coast, South Africa, where I have been given the opportunity to learn about south africas agriculture. I hope to gain an even greater understanding of the African diaspora, resilience, and the lasting effects of oppression on communities around the world.
These two quotes have had a major impact on how I view my future, my education, and my responsibility to my community. The first comes from Thomas Sankara, who is credited with saying, “He who feeds you, controls you.” To me, this quote represents the importance of self-sufficiency and ownership. Sankara believed that nations should be able to feed themselves rather than depend on others, and I believe the same principle applies to communities. If we can produce our own food, create our own opportunities, and invest in our own people, we gain the power to shape our future. This belief is one of the reasons I am pursuing Agricultural Engineering. I want to help develop innovative agricultural solutions that strengthen food security and create opportunities for underserved communities.
The second quote comes from Julius Nyerere, who said, “We must run while others walk.” This quote reminds me that success often requires extra effort, determination, and resilience. Growing up, I learned that obstacles are not excuses to quit but opportunities to work harder. As a young Black man raised by a single mother after the loss of my father, I understood early that I would have to remain focused and disciplined to achieve my goals. Rather than allowing challenges to define me, I used them as motivation to excel academically, develop leadership skills, and serve my community through organizations like The Males Place.
Together, these quotes serve as guiding principles in my life. One teaches me the importance of independence and building strong communities, while the other reminds me that excellence requires perseverance and hard work. They inspire me to pursue my goals not only for my own success, but to create opportunities and positive change for others.
These experiences have made me a better person by teaching me empathy, leadership, responsibility, and perseverance. They have also made me a stronger student by helping me value education and history on a deeper level. Most importantly, they taught me that true leadership is not just about personal success, but about uplifting others and creating positive change in the community around you.
Today, I plan to attend North Carolina A&T State University and major in Agricultural Engineering. My goal is to use technology and innovation to improve food production, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for future generations. Also, with more than 307 million people across Africa facing hunger, I hope to use agricultural engineering to develop sustainable farming technologies that increase crop production, improve irrigation systems, and make food more accessible in vulnerable communities. By combining innovation, education, and local agricultural knowledge, I want to help create long-term solutions that reduce dependence on food imports and strengthen food security across the continent. From the lessons I have learned from my mother, family members, mentors, and The Male Place have shown me that success is never achieved alone. It truly takes a village to help a young person grow, and I am committed to using the support I have received to serve others and make a positive impact on the world.
Thanks, Austin Thompson.