The Story of The Genie

There once was a man who was approached by a wish granting genie. The genie said to the man, "Sir, I am a genie. I have the ability to use my magical powers to shift the universe to bring about any wish you desire to be granted. You have been granted one wish, there is but only one rule, you shall not wish to be granted any additional wishes. The man was at first very startled by the appearance of the genie, but after their dialog he was overjoyed and humbled. The man asked, "Genie, I am grateful for your power and timing in my life, yet this is a life altering decision and I would appreciate just one night to think to myself what it is I truly want most in this life." The genie complied and agreed to rendezvous with the man at the same location in 24 hours. The genie then poofed into thin air, out of sight, leaving the man standing alone.

A day later...

The two rendezvoused at their location. The man arrived several minutes before the designated time and gathered his thoughts and prepared to make his wish of a lifetime. The genie arrived promptly. Both enjoyed a moment of silence before the man abruptly said, "I wish I could grant wishes like a genie. In my life far too often have I been the person who receives and benefits from interactions I have in my life. I want to be the source of joy as you were when you appeared in my life, with the promise to grant any one wish. Well genie, this is wish I choose and I am certain that I will come across others who wish to be genies too!"

And the man's wish was granted...

NFL Draft Interview: Demarcus Ayers

Hello valued readers!

Today we would like to send our best wishes to Dallas native Demarcus Ayers as he prepares for today's 2016  NFL draft. Today many young men will see their drams come true. These young men have put in years of focus and dedication and will now finally rewarded. Demarcus Ayers attended Lancaster High School in Lancaster, Texas where his talents earned him college attention. Ayers committed to the University of Houston Cougar football program where he dazzled audiences, opponents and defensive coordinators with his speed and ability to make plays. Ayers was seen from all angles in the Houston Cougar offensive attack during his three years on campus. In the ACC, Demarcus excelled as a slot receiver, special teams kick returner, and even had a moment as quarterback, in the Cougar's win over the Florida State University Seminoles in the Peach Bowl, when he threw for a touchdown. Ayers is now ready to make the leap of faith to the next level.

We had the chance to catch up with Demarcus Ayers on Draft Day, our conversation and Demarcus' NFL Draft Profile are below!

The Great Change: The process to becoming an NFL Draft pick is a ling process beginning the moment you declare for the draft, how has the process been for you?

Demarcus Ayers: It has been an unbelievable process for my family and I, we're enjoying it.

The Great Change: What words do you have for your teammates that you will be leaving behind in the University of Houston Cougar program?

Demarcus Ayers: To keep working. To take advantage of every opportunity you get. Keep God first.  Anything is possible.

The Great Change: Who would you like to thank for helping you along your way to success?

Demarcus Ayers: My high school coach Chris Gilbert. I've been knowing him since eighth grade. He recognized my potential early and pushed me to be the best in school and with football. He taught me how to carry myself and how to do everything with confidence.

NFL Draft Profile: Demarcus Ayers

Height: 5'9"

Arm Length: 31 1/4"

Weight: 182 lbs

Hands: 9 1/4"

40-yard dash: 4.66 seconds 

Vertical: 35 inches 

Broad jump: 10 feet 

Short shuttle: 4.33 seconds 

3-cone: 7.0 seconds

Source: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/demarcus-ayers?id=2555465

Thanks you for reading with The Great Change!

- The Great Change Team

Interview: Chappelle Continues Football Career

Hello valued readers!

Today, we have the privilege of congratulating and commending East Texas football standout, Jeremey Chappelle, for his opportunity to continue his career at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. Jeremey Chappelle has had a remarkable journey to this point in his career. Originally from Jacksonville, Texas, Chappelle has always had success in various sports. Whether in UIL competition or on the AAU circuit. Mentored by Stacy Hunter, Chappelle's uncle, he was able to harness his skill sets and make the leap to the collegiate level at Tyler Junior College. After completing his time at TJC, Jeremey joined the Stephen F. Austin State University football program. From SFA, Chappelle accepted the opportunity to hold a roster spot with the Mississippi State University Bulldogs, until ultimately deciding to seek other football programs. In the midst of school changes, Chappelle's family and the entire East Texas community, including myself, suffered a great loss when Stacy Hunter was murdered at his nightclub on October 20, 2012 in Jacksonville, Texas. In the face of this darkness, Chappelle retreated to the depths of his mind, leaning on his support system and made the decision that his passion for the game of football was still burning and maintained his faith. Faith without works is dead. With that being said, Chappelle has put in the work to join the Northeastern State University football squad. We had the chance to catch up with Jeremey and ask him a few questions.

Our conversation is below enjoy!

The Great Change: At this point in your football career how do you feel about your abilities and confidence on the field?

Chappelle: I'm twenty-four now. My knowledge of the game is much better. I feel as if I'm better right now than I ever been. I was coming off a great spring at Mississippi State. Hopefully it will transgress to my new school.

The Great Change: What has your career taught you about the game of football, thus far. that you want to immediately put to work in your upcoming opportunity at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma?

Chappelle: My career is a lot different from others. This will be my fourth college I'm attending. My career has taught me to never give up and to always keep faith. I will IMMEDIATELY showcase my hard work and dedication to the game when I arrive on campus. Football is life for me. Its the greatest game to teach you about life.

The Great Change: Aside from the legacy that Stacy Hunter, your uncle, has left on the program you will be joining, what legacy do you plan to build?

Chappelle: The past few years NSU hasn't been very successful. In fact, they've been pretty bad. I want to win games, that's it. Winning games brings things like breaking records and scoring a lot of points but I care more about winning games.

The Great Change: What relationship are you looking to build with your fellow teammates and coaching staff?

Chappelle: Every school I've been to, I've built special relationships with my teammates and coaches. I don't think it will be different this time. Teammates are your brothers and that's how I treat them.

The Great Change: Who do you want to thank for your success?

Chappelle: I was raised by my mama, my grandma, and uncle. Those three had a big hand on my life. My mother is a single parent. She has been through it all, with me. Time, and time again I got myself into situations. My mom would come to the rescue. Getting me out of a bind. She's the reason I'm graduating with my bachelors degree. Her love for me has pushed me to do better for myself.

The Great Change: What advice do you have for youngsters with big dreams that are facing adversity?

Jeremey Chappelle: To any youngster with dreams that has been facing adversity, please don't give up. Keep a vision of your goals and do what you have to do to attain those goals. Life is all about highs and lows. In the midst of your highs be ready for your lows. The true content of a man is seen when he faces adversity. Keep your faith and finish.

Thanks for reading with The Great Change!

- The Great Change Team

#86

Societies, full of piety and rioting.

Social norms, crazy like freshmen dorms.

For education, look at how kids perform

And you expect us to conform?

Volatile speech and toxic eats

How long will we be subjected?

Technology left the world neglected

Our screens being our only connections

Death over life, just to keep on texting

Constantly updating, oh this is frustrating

While the earth crumbles beneath our feet

I side with the Lorax, save the trees

Stealing from Earth, truly thieves

If money does not grow on trees

Then why are still printing on leaves?

#85

We travel along an invisible path

Seeking joy and fearing wrath

Above it all, we continue our life

To answer the call to live it right

But what is right and what is wrong

Are the righteous those who live so long

Experiences teach us all we know

Like whether to stay or whether to go

Life changes with the blow of a breeze

Ride your waves like a boat of the seas

For not even you control the ocean

But the life you live, you have choosen