Profile Story
By Rubyanne Moley
Many overlook Xavier Brathwaite as he keeps to himself, walking around campus with his headphones always on. But Brathwaite has overcome numerous obstacles that have made him into a hard-working college student who will never admit to his talent. He is a humble 19-year-old who proves that helping others in turn helps yourself.
Since his teen years of dog walking, he puts his everything into helping others.
Brathwaite, born in New York but raised in Colorado and Arizona, was always selfless, working as a teen to provide for his mom. She worked two jobs to care for him, after his stepdad was arrested.
However, his rising desire to help his mother caused a fall in his grades, which resulted in him transferring to the Private School Brophy in Phoenix, Arizona.
“I was held back a year. At the time I was really annoyed. But now looking back I see it as a blessing because not many people get the second opportunity,” said Brathwaite in transferring.
Soon, his 2.3 GPA became a 3.7.
Working hard to gain A’s didn’t stop Brathwaite from giving back, as he volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House Charities during those years. He also worked with Miracle Messages, a nonprofit that works to reunite lost family members to the homeless and help them rebuild financial standings.
“My job would be to research the family members they are looking for and get in contact with them,” said Brathwaite. “At first they would be hesitant, but then they would come around and I would facilitate a meeting between the two people.”
Brathwaite reminisces on his time with Miracle Messages, for many of the families he reunited stay in contact today. His volunteer work impacted children all the way to adults.
Through these high school years at Brophy, he lived with his father and his stepmom. After Brophy came college at Arizona State University with an Obama Scholarship, pursuing a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. Brathwaite didn’t know his dad for most of his childhood, but with his transition into post-secondary education, his father left for Florida with his stepmom.
He cherished the three to four years with him, as Brathwaite had looked up to his father all his childhood. Brathwaite attributes his passion for music to his father.
Brathwaite’s father traveled and managed popular rap bands groups like Salt and Peppa and Method Man. Brathwaite hopes to follow in his footsteps as he travels in his career, combining Journalism and Music.
“I want to merge the two, I think there is a platform for that,” said Brathwaite about his potential career path.
When it comes to music, Brathwaite’s favorite genre is “Old School” and his favorite rap song of all time is “The World is Yours.”
Brathwaite likes to be in touch with his creativity. With his love of music comes his vinyl record collection of R&B and Rap. His holds his collection in his dorm along with his vinyl record player.
Brathwaite also enjoys playing video games, snowboarding, and reading. He has recently been into autobiographical works, currently reading one on Malcom X. He also is diving into “impulse writing” to practice his creative and journalistic writing.
Since his start in New York, Brathwaite has come a long way. Many would describe him as responsible with a head on his shoulders, and they are correct. Similarly, Brathwaite describes himself as optimistic, saying he gives everything a fair chance. With his history, this holds ground.
In asking about his proudest achievements, he says his siblings. Brathwaite was beyond proud to recollect about his siblings’ achievements, but the true star is Brathwaite and his selflessness.
“I don't really know where I fit in journalism yet. I love to write, but It’s a different type of writing and learning,” said Brathwaite. However, his continuing determination to help others will ultimately make finding a spot not too difficult.
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