Hi, I'm Marquize

I believe the diversity within individuals is more important than the fixed qualities without

The Journey Begins...

I graduated in the Top 10 of my high school in Aurora, CO and only seriously considered going to two universities; the Culinary Art Institute of Colorado or the Colorado School of Mines. Two very separate institutions, which would take me on two very separate journeys. I was accepted to the Colorado School of Mines, admittedly unexpectedly, and thus my journey into adulthood began.

There were some ups...

My freshman year at Mines was likely comparable to any engineering student's first year of college. At times it was torturous, but the joys of new companions certainly kept me going. By the end of freshman year, I obtained a scholarship to cover the remaining cost of my education, and I picked up an Honors Minor in Public Affairs along the way.

And plenty of downs.

Despite having to dramatically improve my study habits and excelling academically, the feeling of dread that I managed to choose the wrong path would burden me at every crossroads. This feeling would destroy any hope of securing restful sleep and sap the excitement out of every vacation. So, I did what any confused and readily supported college student would do; I switched my major. Materials and Metallurgical Engineering sounded way cooler than Chemical Engineering anyways... right?

I picked up a few responsibilities along the way...

By the end of my sophomore year of college, I was the acting President of my chapter's National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) organization, I was committed to running for the same position the following year, and I was elected as the Regional Treasurer for the same organization. Basically... I was busy. I planned conferences, led chapter meetings, and consistently networked with professionals. I learned the importance of teamwork and the value of service leadership. I came to understand the world could be changed by impacting one life at a time.

And couldn't resist a few more.

In retrospect, I think it is fair to say I had a fear of free time. I helped start a NSBE Jr. chapter in Denver, CO and served as the first chapter advisor for those curious youngsters with a rare interest in science and engineering. The purpose of the chapter was to introduce the students to various STEM concepts, while destroying any limiting beliefs about their involvement in STEM that they may have been surrounded by. The students named their chapter S.O.C.I.T. or Students Of Color In Technology. I am proud to say that chapter still exists today.

I lived a little...

Along the way, I was able to participate in one of the most incredible experiences I have had thus far; traveling to the country of Nepal. While there, I spent a week touring the city of Kathmandu, two weeks aiding in a service project in the valleys of the Solukhumbu District, and a week hiking to and from the Base Camp of Mount Everest. Nothing I can type in this small box will properly articulate this experience. Literally, life changing.

And encouraged others
to do the same.

While I never directly suggested anyone travel to Nepal in order to acquire fulfillment for themselves, I did have the opportunity to present to audiences of various sizes and for different purposes while studying at Mines. From explaining research (which I was barely able to comprehend myself) to inspiring unity among hopeful communities of diverse individuals, it is safe to say college cured my glossophobia relatively quickly.

I crashed ... hard...

The thing is, no matter how hard you run or how full your calendar is, your fears and insecurities are always just paces behind you. With one month left of my junior year, I made the tough decision to withdraw from pursuing a degree that I wasn't even paying for. It was hard. I was disappointed in myself. I was lost, and rather than the expected sense of freedom upon committing to my decision, my mental health suffered for a while. Soon after, I discovered Transcendental Meditation and attended an Ayahuasca retreat in search of much needed clarity. What a time to be alive!

And discovered the world of polymathy.

While working as a server/manager/bartender in Lakewood, CO, I discovered the world of polymathy, and for (what felt like) the first time ever, my reality made sense. I quickly deduced that "passion" was simply a tool that people assumed would fix their problems, but was rarely the solution they truly needed. Perhaps more importantly, I found a way to rationally justify my thirst for knowledge. I created a blog entitled "The Chronicles of a Polymath-To-Be" and set out to share the world of polymathy with others.

I "woke" up and committed to helping others do the same.

The moment I decided my awareness of the decisions I was making, was more important than the decisions being made, is the moment I "woke" up and began to control the dream of life. In that moment, I dramatically altered the path that I was on. I converted my blog from a passive source of information to an active machine that I could use to impact the lives of others. I committed to changing the way people think about their uniqueness. I committed to sharing the power of self awareness. I committed to doing my part, to ensure we all have the opportunity to take in the breadth of the Human Experience.

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