MADEbyKid

Growing up, I was surrounded by a family that, despite coming from humble beginnings, believed deeply in the value of hard work and opportunity. My father was an ice cream man, my mother owned a small clothing business, and my sister pursued her passion for music. For a time, my family was on the cusp of a great breakthrough—my mother's clothing line was gaining traction, and her business had even reached a television show, leading us to believe that financial security and success were within our reach.

But what followed was a painful lesson in the fragility of success. A large sports corporation, with no direct connection to our business, challenged the television show’s naming rights due to trademark laws. What started as a promising venture for my family was slowly ripped apart as a long and ongoing court case dragged on for years. The fight for our business consumed my family’s attention, taking away the time, guidance, and direction I needed as I grew up. What could have been a time of mentorship and life lessons instead became a period of struggle and uncertainty.

Through all of this, I saw firsthand how the pursuit of individual success—however hard-earned—can be swiftly undermined by those with deeper pockets, more power, and influence. As a child, I didn't fully understand the weight of these battles, but now, as a young adult, I’ve come to see the broader truth: the chase for success and material wealth doesn’t necessarily lead to fulfilment. Even when success seems within reach, it can be taken away by forces beyond your control, leaving you wondering if it was ever worth pursuing in the first place.

This is why I no longer find myself driven by the pursuit of individual success. The story of my family’s struggle has shown me that wealth and status are fleeting—often subject to the whims of those who already hold power. In the face of that reality, I’ve embraced a different outlook, one rooted in empathy, understanding, and the idea that true value comes from our interconnectedness and shared humanity.

At 19 years old, I may not have the formal education or traditional career path others might expect, but I am deeply aware of the importance of living for something larger than myself. I’ve come to believe that the world needs more than just individuals chasing their own goals—it needs people who understand the bigger picture, who see that our collective well-being is far more meaningful than personal gain. This is why I do what I do now. It’s not about chasing individual success; it’s about nurturing a world where people understand their shared existence and work together for a future built on compassion, unity, and respect.

This explanation connects your personal experience with the broader outlook of the manifesto, showing how your background has shaped your understanding and why you are now driven by empathy and the belief in collective well-being over individual success.