His character, manners and kindness to others is what makes Trevenin Hardy’s personality. When he was younger, experiencing bullying reinforced why he’d grow up to treat others how he wanted to be treated. “I don’t even care now, but before I did and it used to make me mad and cry when I was younger,” Trevenin said. “But I wish I knew before that I was going to be as smart as I am now.” The negativity Trevenin faced at school and even in his personal life are what he said shaped him into the person he is today. During those rough times, his mother always told him that despite how others treated him, to always treat people kindly. His aunt also advised him that against the odds, he could do anything he set his mind to. This is advice Trevenin said he’d share with any other students experiencing bullying in school. “And you don’t have to be like everybody else. Don’t worry about what other people say because you don’t know what they think about you,” Trevenin said. “They probably look up to you but don’t admit it and just try to downgrade you to see what you do.”

Trevenin continues to encourage himself and set his mind toward his goals. Some of these goals include becoming a video game designer, a graphic designer, fashion designer and starting his own business or businesses. One way he plans to reach his goals is by furthering his education and pursuing a degree in computer engineering, computer science or video game design. This August, he will start school at George Mason University to work toward his dreams. Trevenin was attracted to GMU because of their computer game program, its diversity and the fact that he’ll get to meet new people in a new setting while still being in Virginia. One of the most important lessons he’s learned over the years is just how important education is for bettering himself.

While education is important to Trevenin, he also enjoys playing sports. He plays basketball, football and soccer. During his sophomore year he was the co-captain for his school’s boys’ varsity soccer team. Among many responsibilities as a team leader, he had the chance to share ideas for new play formations that improved the team’s playing. One way he did this was by combining his passion for video games where he studied the movements in games and brought it to the real world. Besides playing sports, Trevenin is also a member of JROTC and the National Technical Honor Society. With all of these extracurricular activities, he still works to maintain a 3.4 GPA.

Three of Trevenin’s biggest influences in life are his mother, aunt and grandmother. Their constant encouragement that he could do whatever he wanted and be whatever he wanted in life is one example. They also told him, that while he may experience difficulties as a Black man in society, it’s important for him to “have a game plan and if you just be yourself and just focus on what you have to get done, then you can get far in life.” While he still faces some negativity and struggles, Trevenin is determined to not let the negativity deter him. “After going through negativity throughout my whole life, I understand life and all the assets, all the good stuff,” Trevenin said. “That’s why I just stay positive all the time.”