The i.c.stars program helps income-challenged individuals skill up in tech, learn soft skills, and land work opportunities. The other day I was privileged to speak with them about my life.  

Now when anybody asks me to share something interesting about my life, I clam up. I don't believe my life is more interesting than anybody else's. I have not lived a life of struggle, poverty, oppression, social injustice, and I haven't faced realities that these individuals have experienced.  

"But, David, you've done so much..." you say. I know.  But hear me out.

I've done a lot, and I'm happy about the things I've done.  

But the things I've done don't define what I'm capable of becoming - and that is where the reluctance lies.  

Instead of telling a life story, I shared a story of someone re-defining themselves multiple times. The story of someone who still believes there has got to be something more. And I shared the story of not allowing a label to define me.  

At the end of the session, I received messages from students. Many of them feeling inspired to do something for themselves. One student, Michael, offered this inspired comment.

"Everything was relatable - from music to your life story, to some of the problems you've faced... I like how you don't give 'labels' like 'black' or 'white' power... I made that quote up just from my time with you 'do not give labels power'." - Michael P.

The past is a label - don't let the past define you.

The future is a label - don't let your concept of the future decide for you.

Your story is a label - you can rewrite, if you want to, now.

"Don't give labels power." - Michael P.