The assignment was to create a mission statement with the prompt “how do you want to be remembered?” Before I answer that, Let me take you back to where it all began.
The year was 2017. It’s 2 a.m. in the morning when I received a phone call that would change my life forever. The number was unfamiliar, and my intuition told me something was off. I reluctantly answered, and an automated message informed me that I was receiving a call from the Kern County Jail System. The voice on the other end was my dad’s, and this was the message: Hi Jared, this is Dad. I’m in jail. Tell your mom.” Then he hung up.. Little did I know, this would be the start of a chain of events that would permanently shake the foundation of my life going forward.
Soon after, my parents divorced. After my parents separation my mom lost her job which forced me to take on a lot of the extra load. It wasn’t something I was prepared for, but I had to step up and take care of my mom and my brother, making sure we kept a roof over our heads and food on the table. So I picked up odd jobs just to keep the bills paid. Things got even harder when, after a long overnight shift, I came home to find an eviction notice. I couldn’t seem to catch a break and at that moment I can remember telling myself, “If this is rock bottom, it’s only going up from here.” Still, I never imagined I would end up homeless, but that was the reality I faced.
Months later, after hearing about our struggles a family member called offering me a fresh start. Without hesitation, I moved to Goleta to live with my aunt and uncle, and that’s where my life began to turn around.
So, how does this relate to the mission statement of how I want to be remembered? The answer is simple: Impact. During my darkest hour, I was given a second chance at life—by my aunt and uncle, who helped me when I had nowhere else to turn. Their support changed the direction of my life and reminded me of the importance of extending help to others.
I’ve experienced firsthand how support and compassion can change someone’s life. Now, I want to pass that on by creating spaces where others can experience the same growth, healing, and opportunities I had.
Today, I’m a wellness coordinator, and in this role, I get to share my knowledge and passion for helping people lead healthier, happier lives. I’ve seen how fitness, community, and supportive relationships can be transformative. I’m all about creating a positive and uplifting environment where everyone feels inspired to take care of themself.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that struggle is universal. We all go through hard times. When I think about how I want to be remembered, I don’t want my story to be just one of struggle—it’s one of resilience, of making a positive impact, and of helping others. Whether it’s through fitness, community, or simply lending an ear, I want to continue offering support and making a difference.
If I can make a positive impact in someone else’s life—no matter how big or small—just as I was helped when I needed it most, then that is my mission.
Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to listen and for being part of this journey with me. I am grateful for the opportunity to share a little piece of my story with you today.
So, I leave you with this final thought: As you reflect on your own life, what kind of impact do you want to have on the people around you, and how would you like to be remembered?