Guest blog post one of our Littles who is graduating college this month!
WOW! It has been a quick, yet terrific three years. It feels like just yesterday my mom was giving me the boot out of the house and sending me on down the road!
I’d first like to proclaim that GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME. I can’t thank God enough for delivering me from where I was, to where I am now.
Next, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who encouraged and supported me in any capacity up to this point. I write this as I wipe away tears reflecting on all of the love, kindness, and graciousness I have been shown in life, and through the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.
Thank you to my one of a kind mother Scharlena Hodges, My Brother Marcus, and my “Grandpa” Mr. Mooney!! There are countless others who have played a significant role in my life, and perhaps we’ll need a part two to this letter just to give all the shoutouts and thanks they deserve!
On May 4, 2024, I will stride across a stage, a moment that will not only alter the course of my family’s history but will also shape my future and legacy. To be quite honest, I’m not sure how to feel… but I am grateful that I’ve made so many people proud, and happy.
During my time in college, I’ve achieved quite a bit. I’ve made my athletic conference’s All American Academic Team, represented the university as a tour guide, founded and led the University’s Garden Club, served as a Resident Assistant, provided live commentary for the university’s basketball and volleyball teams, wrote, directed, shot, and edited content for the university’s marketing efforts, designed merchandise for the campus bookstore, and even served as Interim Social Media Manager—all while completing school a year early! 🙂
In my 36 months here in Tennessee, I’ve learned invaluable lessons that I’d like to share:
Be Humble: It’s essential to be humble, to listen more than you speak, and to approach others with humility. Being willing to take on any task, no matter how menial, and showing that you’re just like everyone else fosters genuine connections.
It’s a Small World: Your reputation precedes you, and you never know who might have a significant impact on your life. Be sure to represent yourself and carry yourself in a manner that is consistent so that you are displaying the same image 100% of the time. You don’t want many people to know you for many different things. Be known for a few positive characteristics, that allow you to stand out from the pact. Take your AirPods out and your apple vision pro headset off… and take the time to have a pleasant interaction with someone. That interaction could lead to a new chapter in your life, whether that be a new endeavor, a new friend, or a new experience!
Do What You Say You’re Going To Do: Your actions speak louder than words. Take things seriously and never tell someone you can handle something that you can’t. Always show up early… if you show up on time you’re late!!!!!! When the opportunity presents itself, seek to go above and beyond the normal requirements and exceed them. If you get off at 5, leave at 6. If your customer asked for one breath mint, give them two. Being able to deliver on a service or product and exceeding expectations shows that you are not only capable of producing quality work, but that you care and are diligent enough to go the extra mile.
These are just a few of the lessons I’ve learned. There’s much more I could share—perhaps in a book someday!
I’m excited to announce that I’ve accepted a full-time position as a Construction Inspector and Appraisal Review Analyst at the First National Bank of Pulaski. Additionally, I’ll be starting my Master’s Program at the University of Tennessee Southern in August while competing in my final season of swimming. On top of that, I’ve taken on the role of managing the marketing and sales at TennSRS, LLC, which provides data auditing software for public school districts in Tennessee.
I’m eager to see what the future holds and to continue sharing my journey with those who have supported me along the way.
Be humble, be kind, carry yourself in an upstanding, respectable manner 100% of the time, and be a good steward of your word. Give people the best parts of you and believe in yourself first before anyone else gives you a vote of confidence.
W/ Love and Gratitude,
Eric V. Lewis Jr