I'm not here to impress you. I'm here to tell you the truth about where I've been.

I was born in Ethiopia, during a famine and drought.

I didn't choose how my story started. But I did get to decide what I would do with it.

A new country. A new language. A new family. A new way of living.

When I came to America, the early years of my life were spent simply trying to figure out the life around me.

I had to figure out where I was, and who I was going to become. And honestly? I am still trying to figure it out.

And I don't think you ever really stop.

I learned early to stay in the fight and believe that better days are always ahead.

One decision at a time, I started building a life I could be proud of.

And I'm still building.

I share it because it shows what can happen when you keep showing up.

I graduated from UC Berkeley in two and a half years.

I walked on to the football team and learned lessons that changed how I see life, leadership, and resilience.

I coach quarterbacks and mentor athletes through the same lessons the game taught me.

In June, I launched [THE] Standard, a quarterback performance brand creating products that I wish I had.

Choosing to believe is a responsibility.

• I believe in showing up before you feel ready.
• I believe in building what you wish existed.
• I believe the hard parts of your story can become an excuse, or a foundation.

I'm trying to make mine the foundation.

You don't need every answer before you start.

You just need to move with intention, keep your word to yourself, and build a life you're proud to carry.

I hope my story inspires at least one person to keep going, and to believe that life can get better.

Because I was once the person who thought it wouldn't.