Zaquan Francis '20 Recruiting Profile

   Never thought I would make it this far coming from Brooklyn, New York to Jersey City, New Jersey my life transformed. I was used to the fast life and the city that never sleeps. When I moved to Jersey everything felt different people even looked at me differently. Everything was so much slower. I moved, my fourth grade year. At the age of 7 years old I found this amazing sport called basketball. Me coming to New Jersey for basketball was an eye opener. Different systems of basketball were shown to me and learning new things. By me playing basketball, was a lead way to escape all the bad influences that were around me and the sport has also taught me hard work and dedication. Playing basketball can teach you many  different things like the inevitability of failure. Some people may sit on the bench but that doesn't mean give up. It has also taught me many communication skills, which I may need in the real world. It has allowed me to grow and give me the opportunities that I have today. It has also allowed me to travel places that if it wasn’t for the sport i really wouldn’t think of going. When I reached high school at Saint Anthony I thought it was going to be a breeze. Things in life around me started changing, I had friends who changed. While I’m so focused on basketball I had friends saying let’s go over here and do this. My friend was going down the drug route while I’m trying to succeed in life. when he could go about the scholarship route. I think it was just a jersey city thing.  A lot of people wanna change their lives and do drugs. When there's many different opportunities to better themselves.   I had to separate myself from that negativity and surround myself with people who want big things for themselves.I realize I have a whole life ahead of me, where I want to be successful and succeed. I have big dreams. I wanna be a mentor for other people and show them the way of life. There are bigger and better things out there in the world. Throughout my years of high school I accomplished a lot, I would’ve never thought I would make it this far. I’m doing very well in life. I just want better for myself and the people around me.  When I reach college I want to step into the field of business. I feel This will be an eye opener for me