We Are The Champions!

POST SEASON SUCCESS

Every season is the goal is to win as much as possible but ironically it is not that simple. It has been a grueling season. We travel pretty much everyday, the preparation for the season is so exhausting and balancing class and homework is  pretty much an impossible task. However we work hard and we try to do the best we can and when we experience success it seems to be all worth it. And this season Bearcat tennis has achieve one of our goals which is to be the MIAA conference champions.

http://www.themiaa.com/sports/mten/index

 I'm very proud of my boys but what I want is for us is more then Conference Championship. I want a national championship birth to Florida. My goal is to get these guys mental prepared for the intensity of our regional match against whoever.

This is no time for complacency only time for poise, focus, and determination. Those are the keys to us being victorious. So our attitudes have to be "On to the Next."

Change is the Sister of Progression

Hanging With Blake and Dr. J


Last night I was able to sit down at the President Jasinsky's House and have dinner with his wife, a few faculty members and students, and Blake Mycoskie. It was an honor and a privilege and I was excited about the opportunity to meet someone who has achieve such success at an early age. I was also curious to see how the president of our school is living. So...

The first thing that happened was that was the preparation. Now I had done some research on Blake and I had talked with the president several times, so going into this event I felt pretty comfortable. I try to always handle myself with a certain standard, but it was a little crazy seeing the president's house. Nevertheless I was a great opportunity to meet Blake and listen to him to talk how he is making a difference with his business model one-to-one. This approach to business is truly inspiring.  I hope that in my lifetime, I will be able to make this kind of an impact.

Its the lights, Camera, Action, HOLLYWOOD

FASHION

Ok, when you were young your mother laid out your clothes starting at the earliest age. You didn't know what was going on. And then you get a little older and you start liking nikes, or Jordans, maybe you starting wearing hats and sports jerseys. Thats cool for a while, then you get to a little older and maybe you by your parent buys you a suit, and your like "thanks but not really...". 


However one day you progress into adult hood and you (well "I") start to evaluate style and analyze fabrics, make note of sophisticated looks and you truly start to value your individual FASHION and what you like. I've heard this sense I've been born perception is everything and an individual's dress code can make a serious statement. Velours, cardigans, fitted jeans, v-neck sweaters, slacks, etc you name it a man's wardrobe definitely says something about their personality. I feel like there are steps to elegant dressing and at 23, I'm a young man, growing classy...

 "And I'm so I've evolved, I'm so involved, I'm showing growth I'm so IN-charge. I'm CEO and ya growing god"
Jay Z



AFFORDABLE SHOPPING

Fashion Icon

I learned a lot things as an adolescent, one thing my mother beat into my head was budgeting. Buying anything at an affordable price is absolutely necessary, especially if your income is like mine, non existent. However that doesn't mean you have to dress like a bum. Being attentive to sales and seasons and land you a pretty fashionable clothing selection. Understanding color schemes and illusive colors will allow you to diversify your dress game without having a bunch of clothes. I feel like there are 3 essential colors that you must have, that are appropriate for any occasion; black, white, and greys. These colors are trendy and won't really go out of style. Blacks are sleek, white matches everything, and greys can compliment any color.

BRANDING, NAMES, LOYALTY

Now I try to listen to my elders and the VP of 810 Radio Station and Restaurant, Gary Hailes, told me that the key dressing fashionable in the business world, is developing relationships with tailors and buying things that will never really go out of style. I believe this makes your wardrobe, timeless. And when you think about it, that is so true. So many fashion trends seem to reappear. For example, the double-breasted jacket. Askmen Fashion say's they are coming back in professional trends but thats not me...


http://www.askmen.com/fashion/ 

Brands are important and I don't care what anybody says. Wearing a certain brand can make you feel a certain way, which can increase confidence, and Hell that is half the battle. Whenever I buy something, I like to research the brand. I'm not rich enough to impulse buy so any major purchasing pursuits have to be throughly analyzed. I want to know the history of the company, what makes this product elegant or elite, and how this brand is perceived. Then I compare to my individual tastes and determine if it is truly what I want to buy.

My new designer infatuation is Michael Kors. This American made designer has definitely got some HOT stuff. It's everything I look for in a brand, its exclusive, prestigious, and o ya expensive. I will be strategically adding to my suit collection with little Michael...



Look for me to add these two pieces to the Malcolm Harrison closet ;)

I know I'd look better then both these guys... #smsh

Top 10 Favorite People

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER



Last night I had a dream and in this dream I was able to meet 10 people that I would consider my idols. Everybody needs a role-model and my A-List is an elite group of individuals I feel that influence the world.

So before I die, I'd like to sit down with these ten people and have a conversation:

10.  ELLEN DEGENERES

I think Ellen is a phenomenal person. She has an appealing charm and just seems like a very positive person. Her openness makes me believe that she would be accepting to any individual and I admire a person who can look past society's unwritten rules and continue to live life and be happy.

She is definitely on my APL. (Awesome Peoples List) I would love to meet her.

9.  MARK ZUCKERBERG

Though I have heard this guy is not the most receptive person, Mark Z has made a monumental impact on the world and today's society. I never pass on the opportunity to converse with a guy like this. With Mark being just a couple years older then me, I think that me and this "tech geek" have similar interests when it comes to going against all odds. I respect a person who pursues an interest and follows his vision relentlessly. He has some qualities that anybody who wants to be successful, can truly look up too.

8. ROGER FEDERER

I am a fan of greatness and Roger Federer is certainly great. He is the winner of 16 grand slam titles. He has won every slam at least twice, with the exception of the French Open, which is truly remarkable. Roger's career defines the laws of probability, he has done some many great things, on and off the court, for the sport of tennis.  The Swiss guy is a great example of unnatural talent combined with the extreme work ethic. He is one of my favorite athletes and favorite people and one day... I'd like exchange forehands with him.

Rest in Peace, Brother

7. MALCOLM X

In contrary to how Malcolm X is portrayed, he was an advocate of brotherhood. He was a man of honor and integrity and I am proud to say that my name is Malcolm. Back in those times of Racial tension, Malcolm was a man that stood for progress, change, and freedom. After his pilgrimage to Mecca and towards the conclusion of his life, he began to see a new light. I love Malcolm X because I know if he were alive today, he would love me and support me in any positive thing I'm trying to accomplish in my life. It brings me to tears to know that I will never get the chance to meet him here on earth but I am not ashamed to say that he is inspiration for my everyday life.

I wrote a fews a Malcolm, follow the link:


http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=2429634745

6. MICHAEL JACKSON

There are not enough words to express the way I feel about the man, Michael Jackson. Arguably the most talented person the whole WORLD has seen, Michael was a humanitarian and international icon. His name nor music will never die, he is the face of success. Though people disagreed with some of his views and way he lived his life, no one can say the Michael Jackson didn't influence this world and bring people together. His story, his talent, his passion is undeniable. Again it is so sad that I will never be able to met him, chat with him and try to understand him.


"Before you judge me, try hard to love"


Those are the words of Michael Jackson...
If everybody in the world had this attitude, how much better would life be?

5. OPRAH

Oprah, "Holla at ya boy!"

Oprah doesn't miss anybody's A List. I would be honored to be in the presence of probably the most self-established woman in history. To me, Oprah is up there with Ancient Egyptian Queens and Princess Diana (for English people), in fact... I'd say she is the queen of America, a mother to all. She passed through very hard times and she has catapulted herself into an exclusive class of individuals. I am proud of her and all her success. I hope that in my life I will have reached a point that routine communication with Oprah will not be out of the norm.

4. PRESIDENT OBAMA  

I like Presidents of anything really. School presidents, business presidents, but the president's of all president's is Barack Obama. He is the first non-white president for starters. To be honest, all politicians are lairs and master manipulators but Obama is OBAMA. We could definitely do lunch in the Oval Office!!!

What's good Prezz?

Kane my name is Malcolm, Nice to meet you!

3.  KANYE WEST

"My name Kanye but some of my partners call me Kane"


The question is, who doesn't want to meet Kanye West. Ok, Ok, you may not like him or his music but Kanye is an f***ing STUD!!! Seriously, this guy is an artist, musician, actor, fashion icon, international superstar, 100M+ man, CEO of record label, and the best part about Kanye is that he doesn't care whether you like him...

I can relate, I'd love to get in that position one day. But back to Kanye, if you don't know too much about the guy all I ask you to do is listen to one song of his; Last Call (on the College Dropout). Listen to where this guy came from and then maybe you be able to understand why he may be a tad bit confident.

2. KOBE BRYANT 

K24's has got a pretty sweet life...

1. He's the best at what he does
2. He's lives in LA, with unlimited cash flow
3. He has a pretty hot wife, and two beautiful daughters

Check, Check, Check! Ya I probably would like this set up. Though he is pretty much hated on by 90% of the general public, Kobe is my hero. His work ethic, competitive fire, and extraordinary talent is rare for any profession. He continues to walk in the shadows of doubt, look in the mirror and overcome. No one can deny Kobe his rings and his success. So for all you Laker haters and Kobe Condemners, lets compare your life to his...ya yours probably sucks.

1. JAY Z

Shawn Carter is not even real. This guy is like a cartoon character straight out of a comic book. From meetings with President, to discussions with the United Nations, Jay is far from just a rapper. He is everything I ever want to accomplish in my life. He is a soon-to-be billionaire with a net worth of a little over 500M. He owns clubs in foreign locations, an NBA team, clothing line, record label, and another handful of other lucrative investments. Jay has done alright for himself, this Brooklyn native came from one of the most dangerous, unsuccessful, poverty-strucken projects in America and look at him now, American Royalty. Meeting Jay Z, that would probably be like a dream. He made three albums entitled the Blueprint, he has outline a blueprint of divine success. Thank you Jay, I will follow:

ROCNATION. N.W.O

All these people I'm sure, will go down in history as all-time greats. My life goal is to make this list. I know that I need a lot things to go right but I'm 23 and for me, I believe there are no limitations to what I can achieve.

Who makes your TOP 10?

Good Night and Instead of Good Bye?

I DON'T WANT TO SAY GOOD-BYE BUT MAYBE ITS TIME TO SAY GOODNIGHT

MEET Erika!

Every relationship goes through its ups and downs but at what point is it time to move on? Being young and being in college are two factors alone that take careful consideration when it comes to choosing a romantic partner. But even more then those factors are things such as compatibility, lifestyle, values, and the future are monumental things in selecting a mate.

Most people at the college level are selecting others based on sexually chemistry and physical attraction however these are the most detrimental ways to build a relationship. However I have countless peers attempt to find romantic stability with only those attributes in mind. This theory is a tad bit remedial and again, detrimental to the future of all their relationships. Developing a healthy romantic life based accountability, compatibility, and genuine interest, I believe will aid an individual in the future and more mature relationships.

I have been in a relationship with a foreign girl by the name of Erika Leston. She plays on the varsity tennis team and she studies medicine. Erika and I have been romantic companions for about a year and I have had a great time getting know her and spending time with her. There are a lot of great qualities she has and I name so many things that I like about her. But with all that said, mentally we have some differences that may not allow us progress in the future. Our core values are the same; family, work ethic, success etc but our racial, cultural, economical differences, and lack of maturity may be to overwhelming to neutralize the positives in our relationship.

Portugal, the Land of Erika

On the Map

   

RACE

Race is factor in every aspect of life, especially when your race is not the dominate race in society. Being an African-American male living in United States means realistically that their will be situations that are not the most comfortable (to put it mildly). You can look at just about every community statistic and see clearly that being black can be a struggle, emotionally, socially, and economically. The perception of black especially when it comes to relationships is extremely negative. All black guys, especially successful athletes, are assumed to be players, unfaithful and untrustworthy. This is how we are portrayed in the all aspects of the media, the majority of the time. I have to work so hard and just to erase these subliminal message out Erika's mind daily. Which takes its tole on me. 

Erika is from Portugal. Which is located in Europe which means her perception one things is very pro European. Though her father is African, her mindset and cultural views are very much European egocentric. When it comes to race relations in America, she is nieve to the reality and magnitude of race and how it plays a role in this society.  Most people are nieve to race relations and the subtle nature of its effects, but throughout this time of our interactions, we have had several conversations in which I try to bring awareness to her about my feelings and thoughts on particular topics, events, and social situations. But even with the constant communication about these issues, she does not understand me in this manner. She does not understand the depth, the impact, and the strain a history of brut discrimination can have on a race people.

My grandmother lived in times of very open oppression. I listened to her stories. She believed in her ever life that because of her race their where limits to her life and what she could accomplish. At times she is amazed how much I interact with whites and the bonds I have with other ethnicities. Now as society has changed, grew, and developed times are different but there are still a lot of unwritten rules, stereotypes, and prejudices.

My name is Malcolm, I was named after Malcolm X. It was the foresight of my parents to name after a strong leader and powerful speaker. I raised "race aware" at a very young age for my benefit. Not everything is right and fair in this country, or anywhere but my parents did not want to send me out to in this world unknowing of the racial factors in this society.

The question is, HOW CAN A PERSON RELATE TO YOU IF THEY CAN'T TRULY UNDERSTAND YOU?


This is not a tremendously big issue in our relationship but it is a factor that is continuing to manifest itself in the root our relationship conflict. Your girlfriend she be the one who knows you in-depthly. She sees you through a pure lens and know you for you. I have to fight these subtle stereotypes each morning  of each day and I don't want to come home to my girl and battle her too. She needs to take away stress not ad unjust stress.




CULTURE AND ECONOMICAL DIFFERENCES


The culture differences are apparent in just about every conversation we have. Mentally we are just on a different page. The American Capitalistic society views success as financial security and my ambitions are similar to a conquering dictator, ABSOLUTE. The life that I want for myself is supreme, the opposite of normality but the synonym of extraordinary. I value class, exquisiteness, prestige, and sophistication.

Life for me is journey and I started at the bottom of the mountain. I have worked extremely hard to create opportunities for myself. I have a divine gift to play to the sport of tennis and I plan on using this gift to open the doors that will introduce me to the world. However that goal and ambition everyday for me is a grind, it is a battle to progress and continue to move forward. It is not easy to be the come from a deprived situation where the odds are against you. Mentally in order to achieve this things my daily level of focus has to be so high that I cannot afford to inattentive at any moment. In contrary to my peers, college is not a time for drinking, sexing, and partying. College for me another place for me to learn. Learning not merely how to write papers or taking tests but learning people and seeing life through different eyes. What is important to my teacher? What is important to my classmates and teammates? What is important to advisors and deans? More importantly how did the most successful people I know get to be successful?

Erika has lived a very privileged life. She has modeled, she has lived in various countries and has had the opportunity to learn several languages and even play tennis. Her hunger for life, is not the same as mine. She does not understand why I think way I think and why I pursue certain ventures. For her life is a fairytale, she has never seen hardships, or true inequalities. And she will probably will never have to either. Comparing her to me, is like comparing a house cat to wild lion. For me this world is jungle and my mindset is survival mood. And maybe it would be better off for me find another lion to takeover the world with...

INSECURITIES/MATURITY

I believe life is the experience of learning. The longer one lives the more he/she gains perspective on reality. Understanding the magnitude of situations and the volume of a particular moment makes an individual mature. I have had tough experiences and been through things at a young age so my maturity level is significantly higher than most of my peers. A problem for a college student is so small incomparision to the everyday life of an adult.  

For example:

Problem A

A college student may be stressed because he/she may have two tests, a paper, and group project due all in the same week. And after months of procrastination tomorrow is the due date = stress. However is that really a stress full situation? 

Either you do the work or you don't and next time maybe you prepare differently. 

Problem B:

You are a single parent trying to raise two children. Your financial situation is unfavorable but you know it is important for your kids to value education. So you work 50+ hours a week to send your kids to college prepatory schools. Everyday you wake at 5 to be at work at 6 and your kids don't see you and when they do see you, your exhausted from a long day at work. Are your sacracifies worth the strain on you and your children's relationship, if it gives them the best chance at being successful in life?

....

These are everyday issues that people are faced with everyday. Seeing the big picture and evaluating the simplicity or complexity of a situation is a direct reflection of your mature.

Our relationship is so easy right now its ridiculous. We are in college, we are both full-scholarship athletes we have no real worries. We both can pursue of interests with upmost freedom and integrity. And that for some people is a dream in itself; a distant reality that some individuals will never be able to achieve. That is the reality. At 23, I can see it, I can see the world which is why I work so hard to unsure my life and the life of my children are secure. But for her, college is normal, playing tennis is normal, traveling to different countries is normal. She has no idea. Her lack of maturity and inexperiences fuel her insecurities about me and our relationship which allow her mind to embellish in very insignificant issues.

Im trying to make it, bottom line. With her adding stress due her lack of maturity and insecurities are problems that at this stage in my life I am not ready to deal with. My world is in constant motion. movement. My goal is to progress and the people in my inner circle are aiding towards this. Everybody else is just a statue to me and that is my reality. 

CONCLUSION

Not am not perfect, at times I can be a little selfish, distant, and unattached emotionally. But I don't feel insecure about the way I treat girls, especially not the ones I date. I know I am a good guy with a very compassionate heart but I am not ready for what she is asking for I think. At the end of the day, I care for, I like and I want her to be happy. But I am not in a position to give the necessary time and concentration that growing this relation and as much as I'd like to continue to personal aspect of my life, I don't know if it is possible to remain in this relationship.

These Guys Are Incredible!?!

Tennis, the sport, is such a world-wide phenomenon. I have met people from all over the world. Pretty much every major country I've either played somebody there or have had them as a team. This year I am the only American on Northwest's Varsity Team. Our line-up includes guys from Sweden, India, Brazil, Canada, Spain, and Croatia. We are pretty much ALL OVER THE GLOBE. We travel together, eat together, practice and play together, hell on many road occasions we even slip together...(which is not cool considering I am a grown-ass individual!!!) But its the game we love...I think


I have taken the time to write this about my team:




World Team Tennis

It's the mingling of worlds, and intrusion of cultures
However there is universal language and a common denominator of companionship
We fight wars together, and we are victors together
And ultimately we die together
A band of brothers summoned from the depths of the earth, all corners
of the clouds we fall from

In diversity, I believe one can find peace
Why be ice when you can water? Flow
Flow from every river and ocean,
Every pond and sea, every lake and pool
One can find comfort in himself and his surroundings
One may find the open arms of an ally
So different that what you expected
Look into a person's soul and embrace him as you brother
Never mind the insignificant subtleties that make him alien
But look into the eyes of an equal, establish a goal with him and work
with him to achieve it

Life is the experience of learning,
In diversity we learning there is no need
No need to defend yourself or point of view,
Instead open your ears and listen to understand
Not to agree or disagree, listen to know
Smile and enjoy, laugh and discover
This is the world, embrace the future

Gio: Brazil

 Phillip: Sweden

 Calvin: Canada

 Daniel: Costa Rica

 Vigit: India

 Jose: Spain

                                                  

                      



As you can see when we are together its a "War of Worlds." Everybody has their opinion and point of view and every culture is just a little bit different when it comes the social standards. However somethings we have in common, like romance... 

Take a look at this clip of us on the bus!

Oh! There may be some adult language, viewer discretion advised 

2011 Tennis Spring Season

The Sun is Shinning On Our Season...

There was so much work done leading up to this season. Long practices and lots of soar mornings but it has all been worth it. We have done well as a team and I have excelled.

It's been a successful season up until this point. I've won all matches in singles (16-0) and have accumulated a pretty impressive doubles record (20-3) with three different international doubles partners. However in order to remain successful I must remain hungry. So I play every match with the attitude of execution and performance. When people watch me play I want them to remember, I want to leave an impression whether I win or lose.

There are still a lot of matches left to play, including the post season. Focus and poise is the attitude I choose to have every point of each match. And that is how my mindset will remain as we close the season. Below I have posted a link to my college amateur schedule:

http://www.nwmissouri.edu/sports/menstennis/2011/schedule.htm