Students · first-gen · nursing
From ESL to DNP.
The son of Ghanaian immigrants, he started school in an ESL program and worked twice as hard to look average. Then nursing school, a doctorate, psychiatric hospitals, a late ADHD diagnosis and Hollywood. This talk is that road, with the jokes left in.
The talk
Working twice as hard to look average.
Lots of students in your room know that feeling. He kept going, and he found out years later that undiagnosed ADHD had been part of the reason it was so hard.
The ESL kid
He started school in an ESL program and bonded with the other students there. That’s where his interest in mental health began.
The nurse
Nursing school, then a Doctor of Nursing Practice at Augusta University, where he later taught as adjunct faculty in the College of Nursing.
The comedian
Years in psychiatric hospitals, an ADHD diagnosis in grad school, then videos about mental health that now reach 7M+ followers.
Good fits
Who it’s for.
First-generation programs
Students who are the first in their family to go to college, and the staff who support them.
Nursing schools
Nursing programs, student nurse associations and pinning or graduation events. A nurse who became a doctor of nursing practice, then a comedian.
Immigrant and multicultural student groups
Cultural organizations and heritage events, told by the son of Ghanaian immigrants.
High school and college events
Assemblies, scholarship nights and leadership programs that want a speaker students will remember.
Planning
What organizers ask.
Is he really a doctor?
He has a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Augusta University. He’s a doctorally prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner (DNP), not a physician or psychiatrist.
How long is the talk?
Keynotes run 30 to 60 minutes. He also does fireside chats with a host and virtual talks.
Does he have a book about this?
Yes. You Already Won (2019) covers his path through education, nursing and mental health awareness. It’s on the books page.
How do we check dates and cost?
Send the date, school, audience and budget through the booking form. His team replies within 2 business days.
Next step
Bring the story to your students.
Tell his team the date, school and budget, and they’ll come back with availability. The form takes about two minutes.