Tayquan [email protected]

I remember the painful feeling of having to live on knowing that my brain and the thoughts inside it would change forever. Being on that field emotions; were engraved as I fell to my fate. I heard bells ring that wouldn't stop even when I slept. The doctor said it would take time for him to be him again, but how can I go back to being Tayquan Fitzgerald when I don't remember who he is? I always wonder who he was back then. Every time I remember, ringing came forth again, the more I'm in his headspace.

Sometimes I don't know if it's mine or his. The last time people saw Tayquan, he was 230lbs, but I'm 165lbs. The confusion changed my life forever physically, emotionally, spiritually, and overall my lifestyle. He ate anything in front of him while plants I only eat. What's even crazier is that his view of life is on the different side of the spectrum.

I see life as trials and errors and that every step you take, every mistake which led you on was to build the best you. Growing up with a single mom who has set aside her ambitions for the kids she loves. That leaves you questioning your worth as a black man searching for the answer from the world instead of a black father. Tell me if you saw your mom working day in and day out, grinding her heart out when her other half is out of sight. The only thing I can do to

help is live not just for yourself but also for her. Whether it be by going to school and staying in a system that's already paved an alternative route for those who are smart but outgrew the grading system that so-called "determines" how smart you are. I don't know what Tayquan desired but cooking every night until his hands hurt, scrolling from website to website about the food industry. Had led Tayquan to his purpose to become a creator of the arts in culinary, media content creating, photography, and painting.

Not a lot of people win the battle against their concussions. It affects a person negatively for me, waking me up to something people ask for a second chance to live and become the best person I possibly can be and not waste any opportunities that come my way arts will help me reach my full potential.