The first was my love for education, which didn’t start off strong. Early in my academic journey, I was labeled with a learning disability (LD). However, my parents, with my mom being a teacher and my dad in the military, weren’t willing to accept that label. They provided me with the support I needed, and I later realized that it wasn’t a lack of ability but rather a lack of effort that held me back initially. As I progressed through my education, including medical school, I grew to appreciate the value of learning. This led to my passion for education and, ultimately, the creation of the DIMES Academy.
The second reason was the alarming decline of African-American men in medical school. While this was a key issue that motivated me, the DIMES Academy is dedicated to supporting students of all backgrounds. We aim to address disparities in education and health, ensuring that every student, regardless of race, has the opportunity to excel. This concerning trend inspired me to create an educational platform that not only addresses specific gaps but also fosters a diverse and inclusive environment for all learners.
The third reason came from my experience working with my godson, GB (Genius Buddy). While studying and working on my projects, GB would join me, showing a natural curiosity and interest in what I was doing. His enthusiasm made me realize that there was an opportunity to create something meaningful—an academy where students could be exposed to learning, critical thinking, and leadership at an early age.
Ultimately, my love for learning, medicine, and health, combined with my passion for leadership and critical thinking, inspired the creation of the DIMES Academy.