Tayren
Mangolini-Thomas
School: Texas State
University
Graduation date: May 14,
2016
Occupation: Residence Hall
Director
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| Tayren Mangolini-Thomas |
Social
Media: Instagram- Mr. Mangolini
1. What does "Distinguished Gentleman" mean to you?
A distinguished
gentlemen is an individual that is highly respected by his peers and community.
This distinguished gentlemen is perceived as rising high in the ladder of
success and is looked upon not only for guidance, but also as an inspirational
tool for those that are traveling down similar paths. He is a potential pillar
in the community that has demonstrated hard work, dedication, pride, honor, service,
and integrity.
2. What is your brand and how did you get started? (If you do not have a brand, you could talk about moves you’ve made to make a difference in your community, job/career, etc and how it has helped you)
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| Thomas and his siblings enjoy a day out at the park. |
I have always been a man
of service. Through my path in life I was always seen as the young man helping
others before self. This followed me throughout my college days and to the
point I am currently at in life. My calling,in my opinion, is to be the person
that shields/ supports everyone from the storm. Meaning protecting others from
harsh realities of life, being that helping hand, that ear to listen to
problems/ finding solutions, or just being everyone’s number one fan. My
happiness comes from seeing others happy and helping others. The reason for
that is because growing up I never received that type of support from anyone.
Never had that feeling of someone needing or wanting me so I was always looking
for attention or someone to want me. This feeling created that service drive.
That service drive filled that emptiness I had with everyone I helped. Even
though this path was difficult at times I was able to push through: share my
story, help, and build respect in my community to help make a difference. As
can be seen in my work/ volunteer history: lifeguard, Resident Assistant,
orientation leader, ROTC, volunteer work for schools and community events,
police officer, and now a resident director.
3. What is your dream goal and how do you plan on achieving it?
My dream and goal is
pretty simple. My dream/ goal career wise is to reach my definition of success
while working in a career field of Higher Education. I have yet to fully decide
what position I want to obtain in Higher Education, but I have put in a lot of
effort, time, and hard work to the point that I have many options that I may
choose from without having to worry. Once I have decided my career I want to
keep expanding my education. Knowledge is a form of power that can help you in
many of life’s toughest situations.
I plan of achieving all of this through focusing
on bettering myself, working hard, being dedicated, and learning from my
mistakes/ experiences.
4. Name a moment that you
feel helped shape you into the young man that you are today.
There have been many
moments that have shaped my life to the person I am today. The one with the
greatest impact however was that of a shooting that occurred that took the life
of a very close person to me. That person
showed me I was not alone and that I was wanted. Not going too much into
detail, but having a person die in your arms because you made it too late to
save them really hurts and changes your thoughts in life. The thoughts that ran
through my head in this incident was why wasn’t I fast enough to grab them and
shield them from the stray bullet? Why did we have to get in a fight right
before this, and why am I like this? When answering those questions and sitting
there holding this individual while watching the parent of this close friend of
mine crying on her knees I made myself a promise. A promise to grow up and be
that person that helps others so no one has to experience this type of
pain/hurt that I and those around me where experiencing. I decided that day to
be the person that shields/ supports everyone from the storm.
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| Personal selfie |
5. Name a person (dead or alive) that you look up to & why?
I look up to my mother more than
anyone else. My mother has always been seen in the community as a leader and
revolutionary. She is a strong woman that pushes the boundaries and
demonstrates that even with the hardest of challenges you can still make it out
on top. She is what I strive to be in
the aspects of mental strength, determination, wealth of knowledge, and a
distinguished individual that has gained the respect of everyone around her.
6. When it comes to being a man, what do you feel should be the three core values that a gentleman should uphold?
The three core values that a gentlemen should
uphold is loyalty, determination, and integrity
7. What is a quote that live by and how do you live up to it?
Unfortunately I do not
live by any quotes. I live by my actions and my name. As an upcoming King, I
feel that as long as I stay head strong and focused I will be able to expand,
conquer my enemies, and obstacles and spread my influence to others around me.
8. Piece of advice that you would give to young men of color who do not believe in themselves or lack role models?
Do not be discouraged.
Find what makes you happy and expand upon it like I did. I didn’t have very
many role models growing up and I had a hard time believing in myself due to
situations I faced, but did not let that stop me from growing. If you stay
positive, work hard, and push through the obstacles in life you will gain
courage, and without noticing become a role model to others. Stay strong the
path is not an easy one, but is due able with the right support and effort.
[Photos provided by Tayren Mangolini-Thomas]
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