Melvin Rivers, 2014 Nyah Fellow and physical education teacher in Orlando, FL, sits down with Leigh-Ann to discuss the evolution of his purpose and career path, being adopted and finally reconnecting with his biological family, and how volunteering for weekly food drives shaped his childhood. Also find out what it was like for Melvin to be a guinea pig as part of the first Nyah Project Fellowship cohort a decade ago and the leadership lessons he learned then that he still carries to this day, plus more!

"Get hands-on experience as much as you can to get that exposure…. Exposure gives you an open mind to conquer any goal." - Melvin Rivers

They also chat about:

• How he fell in love with sports and fitness, and how he’s using them to create a positive impact

• Creating little experiences of love and appreciation for those around him

• Personal values and learning the importance of gratitude, servant leadership, empathy, and community impact from a young age

• His Nyah Project fellowship to Ghana, memories at the Human Factor Leadership Academy with Dr. Senyo and the hike to Wli Waterfalls

• Being a UCF alum and pursuing his master’s degree in sports management

• Taking advantage of any resources available for the college process

• His admiration for his mentor, Coach Ernest Wynn at Deltona Middle School

• The power of experiential learning and needed changes in the education system

• His advice to his younger self and future generations