Successful Black Men in BGOL
- Thread starter D Town Redd
- Start date
our little black boys and girls can say i can become what ever i like (Bank Head)
Right on, bruhs. Keep the positivity flowing.
Bump for positive "CAN DO" bruhs
Success is not just about money, it can also mean having a clean heart and inspiring others.
started off, age 19, at chicago state university as a computer programming major.
took c++, advanced c++, statistics, a few electives.
studied there for two years part time.
lost my job around mid 2001...stopped going to school for about 2 years.
after a while, i got a job at the Viand restaurant in the marriot hotel in downtown chicago as a dishwasher.didnt pay much, so i worked there for about 6 months.....quit my job at the marriot and started dishwashing at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower.
had a little financial security....so i started back at UIC.....changed my major to Electronic Engineering. stayed there for about 2 years part time (school cost to damn much)...transfered to devry (which cost more
)...... finished my studies quickly & graduated in mid 2007 with a bachelors degree in electronics engineering technology.
while working at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower as a dishwasher. i got in good with the head engineer. he was a ass most of the time when i was a dishwasher, but i knew he loved talking about sports. so we chopped it up from time to time...and he started getting comfortable talking and being around me. once i got my degree.....we had a little chat and i was in.
making good money for about a year.....but now that we're going into the worst great depression in the years to come. i figured i needed more job security. so therefore i figured id go back to school to be a RN (cousin kinda talked me into it ...been studying for 6 months so far). considering future events.....i felt the only businesses that would continue to prosper during the stressful times of millions would be the health business and anything thats connected to law enforcement, the army, the happiness of thee elite, the morgue/death. didnt want to exploit..but it is what it is...gotta survive!
took c++, advanced c++, statistics, a few electives.
studied there for two years part time.
lost my job around mid 2001...stopped going to school for about 2 years.
after a while, i got a job at the Viand restaurant in the marriot hotel in downtown chicago as a dishwasher.didnt pay much, so i worked there for about 6 months.....quit my job at the marriot and started dishwashing at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower.
had a little financial security....so i started back at UIC.....changed my major to Electronic Engineering. stayed there for about 2 years part time (school cost to damn much)...transfered to devry (which cost more
)...... finished my studies quickly & graduated in mid 2007 with a bachelors degree in electronics engineering technology.while working at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower as a dishwasher. i got in good with the head engineer. he was a ass most of the time when i was a dishwasher, but i knew he loved talking about sports. so we chopped it up from time to time...and he started getting comfortable talking and being around me. once i got my degree.....we had a little chat and i was in.
making good money for about a year.....but now that we're going into the worst great depression in the years to come. i figured i needed more job security. so therefore i figured id go back to school to be a RN (cousin kinda talked me into it ...been studying for 6 months so far). considering future events.....i felt the only businesses that would continue to prosper during the stressful times of millions would be the health business and anything thats connected to law enforcement, the army, the happiness of thee elite, the morgue/death. didnt want to exploit..but it is what it is...gotta survive!
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Right on, Chitown. By the way, great sig. Shows whatsup with the scam known as the Fed Reserve.
To the bruhs trying to come up or stay up in this down economy, I salute you. Keep doing your thing and inspiring our community to stick to the right path.
Bump for black achievement
Any others? Post your story
Post more inspiration, bruhs
Supporting brothas!
One way to find out without actually looking is check out the DVD featurettes. But there's a lot of black animators coming out colleges these days. I know there was one in ILM dynamic dept. I would like to see your work if you have a link.
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3D computer graphics film producer.
I produced animations for Sendosa Aquarium in Singapore which won an International Design Excellence Award (IDEA 2007) Silver award sponsored by BusinessWeek. Apple iPod won in 2006.
Recently I managed a team of 3D artist through the internet in various cities and countries to produce a Digital Doll House of Antique Furniture in a virtual 3D walkthrough. Proposing the next house in which I will be managing 3D artist in China and in New York. Yes, even the good technical jobs are being shipped over seas (Lucas Singapore)
Currently directing and producing animation and 3D renders for BMW Mini Cooper Convertibles for 2009, and handle 2008 last year.
Produced robot animation for Puma's Christmas Holiday website. I rigged the character as well as animated dance moves. I employed several animator domestically from the SouthWest and looking to procure my own team of animator locally. I am looking to train and employ local interns. Last feb, I did a Puma Porcupine where I modeled, rigged, animated and render the character for their SmartQuill Golf shoe.
Several years ago, I opened a 3D computer animation production business on Broadway in NYC. I had a bad brush with the shady high profile music industry directors closed to spearhead a 3D graphic department at Philip Morris on Park Ave. After 911 I left NYC to study character animation. I've learned it and have since done work on a Disney commerical for "Meet the Robinson's" (Rigged a dinosaur.)
I have taught in several colleges in NYC including the Engineering building in the Pratt Institute Brooklyn Campus and Parson in Manhattan. I have trained professionals at many corporation in NYC as an independent consultant.
I know Maya, MotionBuilder, ElectricImage, ZBrush and AfterEffects. Currently studying Shake, StudioTools, BouJou and Linux.
I plan to create and sell my own DVDs as an independent film co. I own a motion capture studio and several computers. My expense are currently out of pocket and I try not to be discouraged by unsupportive family, friends and competitors.
I am self taught. I produce and sell a training DVD internationally (spain, brazil, germany, france) which I teach 3D rigging. I don't have a college degree but have "learned to learn". I basically just watch video tutorials that I find online and apply my God given talent but holds formal academic achievement in high regard.
My projects vary in cost. the best I have done is made 45k in a month which isn't consistent but I would like to break the millionaire status doing what I love. Art.
10 years ago, when I was only a copy machine operator making $8 per hour, a guy came and asked me to make a copy an invoice of a project he did. He made 38K on that project. I said that's what I want to do, was make 38k on one project. I did 2 for 20k each in a month, so I wll say I beat that goal but now I would like to break into 200K per project.
I produced animations for Sendosa Aquarium in Singapore which won an International Design Excellence Award (IDEA 2007) Silver award sponsored by BusinessWeek. Apple iPod won in 2006.
Recently I managed a team of 3D artist through the internet in various cities and countries to produce a Digital Doll House of Antique Furniture in a virtual 3D walkthrough. Proposing the next house in which I will be managing 3D artist in China and in New York. Yes, even the good technical jobs are being shipped over seas (Lucas Singapore)
Currently directing and producing animation and 3D renders for BMW Mini Cooper Convertibles for 2009, and handle 2008 last year.
Produced robot animation for Puma's Christmas Holiday website. I rigged the character as well as animated dance moves. I employed several animator domestically from the SouthWest and looking to procure my own team of animator locally. I am looking to train and employ local interns. Last feb, I did a Puma Porcupine where I modeled, rigged, animated and render the character for their SmartQuill Golf shoe.
Several years ago, I opened a 3D computer animation production business on Broadway in NYC. I had a bad brush with the shady high profile music industry directors closed to spearhead a 3D graphic department at Philip Morris on Park Ave. After 911 I left NYC to study character animation. I've learned it and have since done work on a Disney commerical for "Meet the Robinson's" (Rigged a dinosaur.)
I have taught in several colleges in NYC including the Engineering building in the Pratt Institute Brooklyn Campus and Parson in Manhattan. I have trained professionals at many corporation in NYC as an independent consultant.
I know Maya, MotionBuilder, ElectricImage, ZBrush and AfterEffects. Currently studying Shake, StudioTools, BouJou and Linux.
I plan to create and sell my own DVDs as an independent film co. I own a motion capture studio and several computers. My expense are currently out of pocket and I try not to be discouraged by unsupportive family, friends and competitors.
I am self taught. I produce and sell a training DVD internationally (spain, brazil, germany, france) which I teach 3D rigging. I don't have a college degree but have "learned to learn". I basically just watch video tutorials that I find online and apply my God given talent but holds formal academic achievement in high regard.
My projects vary in cost. the best I have done is made 45k in a month which isn't consistent but I would like to break the millionaire status doing what I love. Art.
10 years ago, when I was only a copy machine operator making $8 per hour, a guy came and asked me to make a copy an invoice of a project he did. He made 38K on that project. I said that's what I want to do, was make 38k on one project. I did 2 for 20k each in a month, so I wll say I beat that goal but now I would like to break into 200K per project.
Well I guess I can throw my 2 cents in here.
Graduated from Brooklyn Tech HS in '03.
Went to Lincoln U. (met my future wife) for a year came home and dealt with the passing of my grandmother in '04.
Decided to stay in NYC and worked odd jobs (UPS, security guard, copy operator, etc..).
Found BGOL in fall of 2005. (important to the story)
Got a job at the call center for Montefiore Hospital.
I've always been interested in computers...so finding BGOL has been a boon for me.
All the free programs for CCNA certification, various posts from users on here have all helped me significantly expand my comp knowledge.
Anyway....got put on as a Customer Service rep in '07 @ Montefiore Hospital....got promoted to billing rep in 4 months...again promoted to lead rep and assigned to health insurance liasion 4 months later.
The whole time I was there, I as gettin my read on with the free stuff here (bringing my laptop to work).
As most business do, people @ my job started having computer trouble. I fixed it. Came up with a few ideas for the business out of sheer laziness. A woman there started noticing that every month a new process was being made by me on the computer and recommended me to her husband who works at a data center for JP Morgan Chase. Met up with him and blew him away with my comp knowledge (and hooked him with with a CBT Nugget for the CCNA...free)
Got hired here 2.5 months ago.
Not bad for a 22 yr old.
Now my job is paying for me to finish up school, become certified AND I make about 45K a yr.
I also build computers for friends and family and anyone else who requests. Help set up secured home wireless networks and other wireless devices (printers, media centers, etc.).
I'm currently stuck on what I'm gonna be majoring in @ school.
Graduated from Brooklyn Tech HS in '03.
Went to Lincoln U. (met my future wife) for a year came home and dealt with the passing of my grandmother in '04.
Decided to stay in NYC and worked odd jobs (UPS, security guard, copy operator, etc..).
Found BGOL in fall of 2005. (important to the story)
Got a job at the call center for Montefiore Hospital.
I've always been interested in computers...so finding BGOL has been a boon for me.
All the free programs for CCNA certification, various posts from users on here have all helped me significantly expand my comp knowledge.
Anyway....got put on as a Customer Service rep in '07 @ Montefiore Hospital....got promoted to billing rep in 4 months...again promoted to lead rep and assigned to health insurance liasion 4 months later.
The whole time I was there, I as gettin my read on with the free stuff here (bringing my laptop to work).
As most business do, people @ my job started having computer trouble. I fixed it. Came up with a few ideas for the business out of sheer laziness. A woman there started noticing that every month a new process was being made by me on the computer and recommended me to her husband who works at a data center for JP Morgan Chase. Met up with him and blew him away with my comp knowledge (and hooked him with with a CBT Nugget for the CCNA...free)
Got hired here 2.5 months ago.
Not bad for a 22 yr old.
Now my job is paying for me to finish up school, become certified AND I make about 45K a yr.
I also build computers for friends and family and anyone else who requests. Help set up secured home wireless networks and other wireless devices (printers, media centers, etc.).
I'm currently stuck on what I'm gonna be majoring in @ school.
Right on, Poppa So and Hoodsprodigy
No real success stories in the family maybe one engineer and a principle long back.
Ackward home situation parents dont talk but live in the same house, fight a lot.
5 person family never had own room lived in small houses whole life. Moved around a lot.
Did well in highschool learned and taught self and helped others. Got a Bachelor in Science in university which I payed for through scholarships and summer jobs. Volunteered at diff hospitals, and taught young kids science. During summers helped parents fix up houses for no pay but good learning process.
Now in dental school!
So yea for all those out there learn to balance time and your priorities, dont succumb to peer pressure, dont put yourself in situation where you have to rely on others, .... cuz when you make it...the feeling and relief is that much greater.
Ackward home situation parents dont talk but live in the same house, fight a lot.
5 person family never had own room lived in small houses whole life. Moved around a lot.
Did well in highschool learned and taught self and helped others. Got a Bachelor in Science in university which I payed for through scholarships and summer jobs. Volunteered at diff hospitals, and taught young kids science. During summers helped parents fix up houses for no pay but good learning process.
Now in dental school!
So yea for all those out there learn to balance time and your priorities, dont succumb to peer pressure, dont put yourself in situation where you have to rely on others, .... cuz when you make it...the feeling and relief is that much greater.
Post more profiles. Looking good on dental school, krown. Health industry = recessionproof.
Bump for inspiration
Post your personal story of growth and progress here yall.
Bump for personal growth and BGOL journeys of self-discovery.
any good artist on this board good with handdrawing and photoshop?
wow...this topic was right on time for me. i got my bachelors in exercise science and that was after i stopped smoking weed and got my shit in order. i now am the director of strength and conditioning at one of the best facilities about to launch my first strength and conditioning football camp thats gonna teach kids to get better at their respective positions.
like 112 say the skys the limit...skys the limit...skys the limit...skys the limit...........
like 112 say the skys the limit...skys the limit...skys the limit...skys the limit...........
Not going to say I'm successful....yet.
But I'm an editor for a cable news channel (one of the big three) where I cut packages, documentaries, I started out doing film, but small indie shit.
I would rather do film and scripted tv shows than news, and when the economy gets better I'll look to make the switch.
As of right now I'm getting paid well enough.
I love doing what I'm doing, but I'm also considering graduate school to advance myself in my field. Maybe go into producing.
But I'm an editor for a cable news channel (one of the big three) where I cut packages, documentaries, I started out doing film, but small indie shit.
I would rather do film and scripted tv shows than news, and when the economy gets better I'll look to make the switch.
As of right now I'm getting paid well enough.
I love doing what I'm doing, but I'm also considering graduate school to advance myself in my field. Maybe go into producing.
Right on, Nobody. Your story is inspirational because it shows that people can and should follow their passion. Money or whatever follows passion. Most importantly, a FULL life comes from a life lived with passion. Nothing emptier than just a meaningless pursuit of cash and bling but no passion. Keep doing ya thang, Nobody and thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks man, and you hit it dead on with that. When I got my degree people talked shit because I had trouble finding work right out of college. All I did was tell people, do what you love doing, and money comes eventually, and the best part is that you would feel incredible about getting paid to do what you enjoy.
It took some time, and some working for free, but now I'm doing well, and people I know are miserable in their field, because they were chasing money.
I would just like to build upon what I am doing and branch out back towards film. I know a couple people I used to work with who are making it happen, guys who have more years in than I do. One of them cut the film Role Models that's out now. My time will come.
Great thread to look at on the turn of the new year.
Exactly, bruh. Happy New Year, Family!
Keep the inspiration flowing, fam
Post your personal story here, bruhs.
" If a man cant see the value and beauty in the smaller details, how can he come to understand and appreciate the purpose of the bigger picture"
I dont have much but Ill give it a go..I have a bachelors of science in business management..went to go work at a car rental ageny once I got out of college as a management trainee...I was there for only 9 months and I absolutely hated that shit..I stayed as long as I did because the money was pretty decent and it was a new gig..but the amount of unethical shit coupled with micromanagement and the corporate structure made me say fuck this shit...My lack of passion and disdain started to show towards the end...
Then I made the boldest albeit dumbest move to the military. I honestly believed in an ideal at that time. So far I have learned a good amount of valuable lessons while being in. Ive had moments of bitterness, sheer hatred, anger, etc. But I never took time to look at the blessings in disguise that life was teaching me. Ive learned to sacrifice, be humble and show humility, understand that what you think is yours isnt yours until its actually yours. I could keep on and on. One thing I took away from the corporate world and military is that most things are based on apperance and perception. Its all a game but if you know how to say the right things, be likable by people, be in the right place at the right time, then shit goes soooo much smoother for you. I could keep on and on.
My greatest success to date is the fact that I cleared out roughly 54k of student loan debt in a span of 3 and a half years. Mind you this is on way below the poverty line E-2,3,and 4 military pay. I should be done the rest and heading into the black on my financials by april of this year. People were shocked that I was able to do that but I told them I had to sacrifice alot because I hate to owe anyman.
For me now its all about self-improvement. Once Im done with the military Im going to pursue my masters(if I cant get started while im in the military) in economics (I absolutely love econ.) and public policy using the GI BILL. Once Im out of debt Ill start looking at investments for the future. Thinking about starting a consulting business. Then will come the next trial by fire in my life.
I thank the brothers on here for making me think continuously about keeping in the right direction and giving me some tools along the way. through the lessons Ive learned the smaller details are helping me keep focusing on painting the bigger picture with more clarity and substance. Then Ill get to that point where I only need to refine it to make it a masterpiece.
I dont have much but Ill give it a go..I have a bachelors of science in business management..went to go work at a car rental ageny once I got out of college as a management trainee...I was there for only 9 months and I absolutely hated that shit..I stayed as long as I did because the money was pretty decent and it was a new gig..but the amount of unethical shit coupled with micromanagement and the corporate structure made me say fuck this shit...My lack of passion and disdain started to show towards the end...
Then I made the boldest albeit dumbest move to the military. I honestly believed in an ideal at that time. So far I have learned a good amount of valuable lessons while being in. Ive had moments of bitterness, sheer hatred, anger, etc. But I never took time to look at the blessings in disguise that life was teaching me. Ive learned to sacrifice, be humble and show humility, understand that what you think is yours isnt yours until its actually yours. I could keep on and on. One thing I took away from the corporate world and military is that most things are based on apperance and perception. Its all a game but if you know how to say the right things, be likable by people, be in the right place at the right time, then shit goes soooo much smoother for you. I could keep on and on.
My greatest success to date is the fact that I cleared out roughly 54k of student loan debt in a span of 3 and a half years. Mind you this is on way below the poverty line E-2,3,and 4 military pay. I should be done the rest and heading into the black on my financials by april of this year. People were shocked that I was able to do that but I told them I had to sacrifice alot because I hate to owe anyman.
For me now its all about self-improvement. Once Im done with the military Im going to pursue my masters(if I cant get started while im in the military) in economics (I absolutely love econ.) and public policy using the GI BILL. Once Im out of debt Ill start looking at investments for the future. Thinking about starting a consulting business. Then will come the next trial by fire in my life.
I thank the brothers on here for making me think continuously about keeping in the right direction and giving me some tools along the way. through the lessons Ive learned the smaller details are helping me keep focusing on painting the bigger picture with more clarity and substance. Then Ill get to that point where I only need to refine it to make it a masterpiece.
damn this is an absolutely marvelous thread!! i'm astonished that there are so many well educated brothas on here! i guess all the porn swapping we do sorta made me forget that we are perverts, but EDUCATED perverts.
umm i dont know if my story is a success story persay, but more of a success story in progress i suppose? ah well here goes. if i get clowned or whatever i'll just try to take away the positive from the criticism.
grew up in Cali. Single mother raised me. Had some issues with her and my sister which led to me becoming a product of the state at 14. lived the rest of my days in detention centers before finally landing in a group home. Got emancipated from the state and went straight to ATL to attend college at an HBCU. was blessed with a scholarship and life was cool. upon the closing of this certain HBCU i went to Georgia State where i'm still attending.....or trying to anyway.
Due to my working entirely too much during my days at state my grades dropped dramatically. forced out of school twice and on the second time facing homelessnes i joined the military. Army wasnt hard. came back from boot camp and jumped back into school. had a child during this point but continued to grind at school. got deployed in 2007. came back in 2008 and have been essentially homeless and barred from financial aid which has forced me to put school on permanent hiatus. and at the beginning of my final year of school no less.
yesterday was my first "day off" in 3 months due to my working 3 jobs in order to ensure my daughter and soon to be ex-wife are taken care of. i sleep on a couch and floor. i eat one major meal a day. i have no clue how i'm going to finish school or how i'm going to even make it next month. i went to work today and felt like absolutely shit when i was listening to everyone at my little waiter job talk about their semesters which just started. i felt so low and pathetic. then i stumbled upon this thread.
I've said way to much so i'll wrap it up. You fine gentleman on here have inspired me greatly. I know none of you personally or impersonally but hearing your stories and what you've all been through and seeing how your struggles mirror my own....and more importantly how all of us have the same goal of stability, financial freedom and passion for life which to me equals success...well it fills me with a joy and a drive that i've lost in the past months. you are all an inspiration to me. i'm a young guy and i've got so far to go. but many of you have struggled more than i have so what right do i have to complain?
thank you all from the bottom of my heart for sharing your tales of success and accomplishments. i hope one day to maybe reach your echelons of success. i'm gonna make it ya'll. we'll ALL make it.
peace fam
umm i dont know if my story is a success story persay, but more of a success story in progress i suppose? ah well here goes. if i get clowned or whatever i'll just try to take away the positive from the criticism.
grew up in Cali. Single mother raised me. Had some issues with her and my sister which led to me becoming a product of the state at 14. lived the rest of my days in detention centers before finally landing in a group home. Got emancipated from the state and went straight to ATL to attend college at an HBCU. was blessed with a scholarship and life was cool. upon the closing of this certain HBCU i went to Georgia State where i'm still attending.....or trying to anyway.
Due to my working entirely too much during my days at state my grades dropped dramatically. forced out of school twice and on the second time facing homelessnes i joined the military. Army wasnt hard. came back from boot camp and jumped back into school. had a child during this point but continued to grind at school. got deployed in 2007. came back in 2008 and have been essentially homeless and barred from financial aid which has forced me to put school on permanent hiatus. and at the beginning of my final year of school no less.
yesterday was my first "day off" in 3 months due to my working 3 jobs in order to ensure my daughter and soon to be ex-wife are taken care of. i sleep on a couch and floor. i eat one major meal a day. i have no clue how i'm going to finish school or how i'm going to even make it next month. i went to work today and felt like absolutely shit when i was listening to everyone at my little waiter job talk about their semesters which just started. i felt so low and pathetic. then i stumbled upon this thread.
I've said way to much so i'll wrap it up. You fine gentleman on here have inspired me greatly. I know none of you personally or impersonally but hearing your stories and what you've all been through and seeing how your struggles mirror my own....and more importantly how all of us have the same goal of stability, financial freedom and passion for life which to me equals success...well it fills me with a joy and a drive that i've lost in the past months. you are all an inspiration to me. i'm a young guy and i've got so far to go. but many of you have struggled more than i have so what right do i have to complain?
thank you all from the bottom of my heart for sharing your tales of success and accomplishments. i hope one day to maybe reach your echelons of success. i'm gonna make it ya'll. we'll ALL make it.
peace fam
Thanks for sharing your story, Tebriel. Much appreciated.
Fam, keep posting your personal stories and let's keep inspiring each other.
Fam, keep posting your personal stories and let's keep inspiring each other.
I am 31 years old
Grew up in one of the roughest hoods in South Central L.A.
Almost died 4 or more times during that time due to violence
Joined the U.S. Army served 4 years
Got out used my military benefits to fund my way through I.T. School
Now working for Northrop Grumman in the Information Technology Dept.
Just bought my first home which is a 4 bedroom, 3 baths, 2 story, 2 car garage!!!
Currently I am going back to school so that my income can increase and not stay in one position!!
All I can do is remain humble and Thank God everyday that I have made it this far.....
Grew up in one of the roughest hoods in South Central L.A.
Almost died 4 or more times during that time due to violence
Joined the U.S. Army served 4 years
Got out used my military benefits to fund my way through I.T. School
Now working for Northrop Grumman in the Information Technology Dept.
Just bought my first home which is a 4 bedroom, 3 baths, 2 story, 2 car garage!!!
Currently I am going back to school so that my income can increase and not stay in one position!!
All I can do is remain humble and Thank God everyday that I have made it this far.....
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