Hi, my name is Salvitore Shepherd. I am currently a senior political science major attending Texas State who intends to graduate with my bachelors this fall. Although I have not reached the finish line quite yet, I can still attest to the amount of growth I’ve made attending my university. Yes, I’ve gained a great deal of knowledge as it pertains to my studies, but in my opinion, the successful habits I learned to better self-maintain myself in my surroundings will be methods I utilize throughout my entire life.

Leaving high school, I decided to take up undergraduate studies as a first-generation student representing my family. With this decision, I had some idea of the challenges I would encounter in my new environment. However, several obstacles would reveal themselves during my education journey that I was completely unaware of and as result unprepared to face. Still, I would not change a single aspect about what I had to endure and prevail against because I understand those hardships shaped me into the man I am today. If you takeaway anything from my story let it be this,… start by any means necessary no matter what! Believe me you’ll thank yourself later.

Now, I want to utilize these experiences to provide support to the youth who may be in similar circumstances or are just unsure of themselves in general. I am prepared and willing to answer questions regarding personal identity, navigating societal pressures, and learning healthy habits that contribute to physical and mental health. I truly believe that one must take care themselves in order to take care of others. My lessons and teachings will provide readers with feedback that will not only influence their outlook on the world, but greatly alter the lens they see themselves through. If you pay me with your trust, I promise to give you my best contribution to assist you in your situation.

Yours Truly, Salvitore Shepherd