“A quote my dad’s always said to me is as follows: You can’t soar with Eagles when you hang with the Chickens. It just means that if you want to be great in life, you have to surround yourself with people who have high standards. If you spend your time with people who have “average” goals, you will be average – so yeah, I suggest everyone surround themselves with those who are as driven and hardworking as you are and aspire to be.
“Something most don’t know about me is that I have a black belt in karate. I got it when I was 12; I started when I was about 6 or 7. At first, I was there because my dad just threw me into some classes. But in hindsight, I also stuck with it because it taught me things like discipline, controlling my emotions, and being respectful – I think this was why my dad had me take karate.
“You know me – I’m a baller. I’m joking, but if I were to play another sport, it’d be either basketball or football. Basketball, because I’ve grown up watching it, being from the 6, I’ve probably been to over 30 Raptors games. Football, just because I think it fits my personality, and because I enjoy it obviously – If I were to play, I’d be either a receiver or a DB.
“Pineapple does not belong on pizza. Pineapple (fruit) is meant to be had with yogurt, or something cool and fresh – not something hot and gooey and savory. I love pineapple, just not on pizza.
“In my two years, I think I’ve matured as a person a ton. When I first got here, I was an overly cocky and rowdy guy; I wasn’t always the nicest to teammates. I think most of all, I’ve emotionally matured. I used to get angry and lose composure over things and would be out of line, so I think I’ve found that line in showing emotion, but not crossing that line.”
As told to Gavin Kruger ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
