Keresa Arnold, Outlook Youth Writer

André Morris is a 23-year-old male who is focused on empowering and motivating other youth through the creative and performing arts.

Morris, a past student of Camperdown High School, currently holds a bachelor's degree in business and computer studies in education from the University of Technology (UTech). He earned his degree while on a track and field scholarship to the university. This, he said, taught him how to balance and multi-task because he had to learn how to study and attend training at the same time.

"You must have a focus on all the activities you are involved in. I really learnt hard work, dedication and perseverance," he said.

Outside of playing sports such as volleyball and basketball, he also has a number of talents rooted in the performing arts. In the 2007 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) festival, he performed two original poems, 'Outcry for Mama' and 'Talent'. He has since performed at the welcome-home reception for Captain Barrington Irving, the young Jamaican who set the record of being the youngest person and first black man to fly solo around the world.

'My passion'

Morris hopes that through his poems, young persons can be motivated and encouraged. "The things I write about are things that I encounter; things that keep me motivated," he said. "My passion is expressed through writing. My passion is to observe the situations I find myself in. My passion is trying to speak to people and motivate them. I want to be a voice for the young people. Let them know that there are ways to put themselves forward."

In addition to that, he is also a member of the Area Youth Foundation, where he participates in motivational workshops in different communities. He is also involved in the foundation's theatre musical, Muss Buss Big, to be aired on television soon.

"I'm really interested in the arts. I really love acting," he said. "Anything that I want to bring across, I do it through drama."

Morris cites his mother as his biggest motivation to improve himself. "I see her and myself in a place that I don't want to be. I take that and push myself forward."

Morris is also a model. Recently, he modelled designs by well-known fashion designer Minka.

He advises teens who might be facing difficult circumstances to stay focused. "Don't limit yourself to being stuck at a particular point," he said.

keresa.arnold@gmail.com

For the most interesting teen issues and styles, get your copy of Youthlink magazine on newsstands on Tuesday. - Contributed