Roderick's Travel Story

Roderick Nash at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

​Why Did you Join LFW?
I joined LFW with the encouragement from a former H.S teacher/mentor saw the opportunity as a way to continue my growth in Leadership as a OneGoal Fellow. After learning more about the program, I was intrigued with the overall mission of LFW and became drawn to see how LFW could assist in not only my growth in leadership, but my personal growth as well.

What was the Biggest Lesson you Learned?
There were so many lessons learned throughout my short time involved in LFW but the biggest lesson I took, was to never settle. Throughout my time interacting with the group, during the trip and conversations we had, it was very encouraging and humbling to develop that family and support system that not only believes in you but also pushes you to go after any and everything you want in life. It was like an eternal flame was lit within me.

How Did Your Experience Impact What You Do Today?
The impact I got from LFW is unmeasured, I was able to return home with a different mindset, where I viewed life in a different way, I was so closed minded and thought only way to better my situation or better those around me was in the same survival mindset. My view, focused and confidence flourished in way where I could be hungry for success by being open and receiving to multiple opportunities and accepting constructive criticism and increased my determination to rewrite the narrative that's not only associated with me being African-American, but me being a an African-American young man from Chicago.

Roderick Nash (IG:SlimRico_ @RastaGfx) is a native of Chicago, IL. currently working for P.L.S Financial Institute. Roderick will be pursuing his degree in Criminal Justice in the Fall at Malcolm X College, with plans to go to Law School. He's also a Graphic Design artist at Rasta GFX, designing cover art. He's also learning coding and hopes to one day open a youth center to help and mentor other kids on Chicago's Westside

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