Our next stranger is from New Jersey and was in Charlotte visiting some friends.
Meet Donnell.
What do you do in New Jersey? “Actually, I’m trying to go to this truck driving school.”
What advice would you give to your younger self? “Don’t judge and just go for it. Stop waiting. Don’t judge myself… the stuff I wear, my hair, skin color, personality. Just don’t judge. Just keep going man. If somebody says something different, don’t listen to them. If you believe it then you can do it. I would tell my younger self that.”
When you were younger, did you have trouble doing that? “In my head, it’s just like… can I really do it? I always wanted to be an actor, but I think… can I really do it? Nah, I don’t know because I always try to rush into things. But as I grow older… everybody move at their own different pace. Everybody just stay in their own lane. Your time will come.”
What is your biggest challenge right now? “Confidence. My biggest challenge is confidence… in myself. Sometimes I feel ugly. Sometimes I don’t want to go outside.”
What helps you get confident? “My nephews. They give me a whole different type of energy. I never expected it. Especially with kids… you can learn a lot from kids.”
What are your goals? “My short-term goal is to get my CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) and start working for myself. My other short-term goal is really saving $100,000. But my long term goal is becoming an entertainer, an actor, learning how to do great films, video… different things in the entertainment business.”
Technical Notes: I used a reflector to add more light to Donnell’s face.
Dan Russell-Pinson 