Damarion Tyler

Over the past 12 years, I have learned the nuances and coping skills to lead a successful life latent with hardship and adversity. When my mom got the call my father passed in 2006 due to gun violence, my life took an unexpected turn.  Losing my father was an experience because not only did I lose someone who played a big role in my life but it completely changed my priorities, goals, and college plans. I long dreamed of being inducted into the infamous network of Trojans by attending the University of Southern California (USC). My mother couldn’t afford to send me there on one income therefore,  I decided to focus my efforts on more affordable schools, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The more I learned about HBCUs while on my college journey, I learned that I am not settling for less by not pursuing USC. With each acceptance to an HBCU, I am moving closer to joining a community that is dedicated to my success. In the fall, I will be attending Clark Atlanta University, majoring in social work. I am committed to social work so that I can support families with similar experiences as mine. I want to be able to educate families on how to protect their futures and the importance of having life insurance.

Not having life insurance to cover expenses associated with my father’s passing has changed the trajectory of my and my mom’s lives, leaving us in debt that I can ultimately inherit. The impact of not having insurance was stressful because my mom and I didn’t have time to mourn my dad’s passing. We had to put grieving energy into paying for the funeral while still trying to pay bills. Today, we still struggle. Covering basic needs presents a challenge each month, and pursuing certain financial goals seems impossible right now. Though a college education is a necessity, I cannot incur more debt to add to the overwhelming pile therefore, part of my work experience is applying for scholarships to fund my education so that one day, I can take care of my mom and my community.

I have worked odd jobs since I was 10 years old, doing whatever I could to lighten the load on my mom’s shoulders. Mowing lawns and raking leaves were my first jobs. More recently, I’ve worked at Compton City Hall, a convenience store, a restaurant, and the Youth WorkSource Center in the last 4 years, ever since I’ve been legally able to work. These jobs have helped me support my mother by taking care of myself so she has one less responsibility. But I’ve also had the chance to explore careers and find my purpose. Even in school, I did well in my job, knowing that it would lead to a better life one day.

My father’s passing has created hardship but I also acknowledge all the ways I have grown. As my dad’s legacy, I intend to create a mentorship program for young boys growing up in gang-heavy areas, low-income areas, and areas where juveniles are arrested the most. The goal of the mentorship program is to let young boys know that just because you live in a certain place doesn’t mean you have to be a product of your environment.