My Founder, Olivia Gray

Welcome, and thank you for choosing to be a loyal participant of the Big Look Organization. To formally introduce myself, my name is Olivia Gray. My preferred name is Liv and has struck with me and my community throughout my adolescence. I am a 16-year-old sophomore, attending the Passaic County Technical Institute. I am mixed with the African-American and Filipino descent, proudly representing Blasian excellence; the power to be of the Black and Asian/Pacific Islander heritage- a scholar-athlete, within my school- and hometown- community.

Bit of Background

Growing up in my hometown, it wasn't common to come across someone who succeeded beyond the town's challenges itself and make a difference outside of the community. Luckily, I was given the few educators that continued to set the example and be a role model for myself and other peers.

I outgrew the standard elementary mindset and aspired to go beyond the average expectations as a student. I surrounded myself with those I believed I could grow alongside.

Of course the rarity of the childhood dream to age with your best of friends hit me, and left me a little lost. I lost touch with a lot of friends I grew up with, as expected of life and its turn outs. From the looks of it, it was for the best- giving me the opportunity to distance myself from what could have potentially set me back and derailed me from my path to success.

From 13-years-old to my current age, it's hard for me to closely bond with more than 1 or 2 people at a time. I find myself in the likes of privacy and confiding to the 1-2 people I can really trust.

Hittin' The Books

Growing from the roots of ambition and the drive to succeed, I never could have imagined achieving the accomplishments that I have obtained today. In my late middle school years, I took leadership in NJHS, serving as a member for 3 years and 1 year-term as president. Attending PPA in New Jersey, I served 1 year as president, being the first of the academy to lead as the president of the middle-school class.

As participant and two-time consecutive winner of the Community Service category of the Technology Student Association (TSA), I received an honorary mention from NJHS and our school's TSA group. Winning first in states for the second time, I led my group to nationals in Washington D.C., creating a project in Mass Production and Career Prep.

Transitioning into high school, I sought opportunities to continue furthering my success. I became a 3-sport athlete, participating in: Cross Country, Basketball, and Spring Track. The weight room became my safe-space to mentally and physically grow stronger as a student and a person. I became a member of Book- and Chess-club.

Currently as a sophomore, my prosperity couldn't make me any happier. Unfortunately, cross country is not a sport in my favor (P.S., some sports aren't for everybody!), but I stand loyally with basketball and track as my best athletic pursuits.

During these times with COVID-19, I've wisely accommodated my virtually, flexible schedule to be a member of End Racism and Sexism Everywhere (ERASE), Sign Language (ASL), History Club, Future Educators of America (FEA), and Book Club. I've earned the honor of being 1 of 9 Student Ambassadors for the NJCFE, sparking interests for change to make an impact on events for students and educators within the state of New Jersey.

Chosen by the school, I stood as a representative for the Black History Month panel "WHERE ARE WE NOW" by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Mu Lambda Chapter. I devised a poem for William Paterson University titled "Reign," voicing the injustice and desires of African-Americans that so desperately need to be heard and met.

The Future Ahead of Me

So far, my dreams for the future have been pretty straight-forward. My dream-profession is to own a real estate agency and coincide with an interior design cooperation in my name. Dressing in style and with a professional physique is my way-to-go, especially when undertaking the career as a real estate agent and interior designer. I would love to begin selling homes in Texas, and eventually sell homes around the country to experience travelling to different states and places around the nation. Throughout my career, travelling to different countries and landmarks around the world is a must! I would like to graduate with a Masters degree in Business and fingers-crossed, pursue Finance as well. I would like to raise a family of four, raising my children morally grounded and respectable people. At some point in my life, it would be a dream to coach a high-school- or middle-school- girls' basketball team.

Jack of All Trades

It's always been a struggle to settle with one, or even a couple of hobbies. These are hobbies that I partake in my free-time:

1. Acrylic painting

2. Chalk-art

3. Sneaker-designing

4. Singing

5. Spoken-word poetry writing

6. Collage-board making

7. Interior designing