Blog #1: Creating My Identity Kit

Actions Speak Louder Than Words! Thus my identity as James Grande has evolved over time through my life experiences and surroundings. Ultimately my persona will be best understood by highlighting the trials and tribulations of my life story.

Starting with my childhood, I grew up in the traditional family household in a Pennsylvania suburban town. The youngest of four and the only boy, I had the opportunity to learn in many aspects as a result of the love and support from my parents. I was involved many activities such as; sports, state competitions, motocross, and an overall helping hand with construction projects. Although I never developed into a ‘top runner’ in these opportunities, I began to establish an identity of a renaissance man.

As I pursed to be good in all aspects of life, I found myself falling short in connecting socially with kids in grade school. I have always been a little ahead of my time, thus I was more of an outcast during my childhood. At the time, I hated who I was. I thought there was something wrong with me. The one thing humans desire most, being socially accepted, essentially began to cripple me.

Over time, I saw my social situation as a blessing in disguise. The beauty of being different is a value that allows one to gain more versus if one is ‘to stay in their lane.’ 

Fast forward to graduating high school in 2009, I tried the cookie cutter path of attending college. However, after one year of college I found myself not following my own beliefs. There by I dropped out of college and began to work various jobs.

The magic of life is in the mystery that you never know which moment is going to change it. In 2012 it was a road trip across country from Pennsylvania to California that would be the catalyst for resuscitating my very own life. The roadmap to my own destiny unfolded as I hit the open road with my friend, California dreaming of our final destination. On the road I witnessed many varying lifestyles and topographies, connected with the locals along the way, and reevaluated my own perception of life. I spent months being inspired by the California lifestyle and its entrepreneurial opportunities, and then I made the decision to return to Pennsylvania and chart my course back to California at San Diego State University.

Academically, I continued my education at Bucks County Community College. This experience afforded me the chance to refine my time management skills, build great relationships with my professors, and brainstorm with the business department in how to promote the current image of the college. Making the commitment to my education, I achieved the academic distinction of Dean's Honor List and was also inducted into the national honor society, Phi Theta Kappa.

Professionally, I have found my passion is in the business industry. In my last profession as a financial representative, I helped individuals actualize their dreams through successful financial planning. Whether taking a vacation once a year, getting out of debt, setting up retirement plans, or saving for their family's future, I help my clients’ turn their dreams into attainable goals. The dynamic momentum in my schooling and career propelled me to my next tenacious goal, graduating from San Diego State University.

Transferring to SDSU this past fall semester has been a significant step in my pursuit towards my future endeavors. As a Finance major my knowledge in understanding the global economy is being furthered developed. Essentially this is paving the road for my desire to make a difference in the world.

Starting conservatively, I’m deeply inspired to make a local impact by developing community betterment programs through the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and business program's resources. 

My passion, fueled by being goal oriented, to becoming a ‘game changer’ is constantly being met with numerous obstacles to overcome. Recently, I’ve been recovering from a three week concussion which has not been easy, but overall has pushed me harder to take my dreams and turn them into my reality. 

The aspiring entrepreneurial road is not easy; it requires stamina just to merely travel it. However, it has taught me that every moment is an experience on the fringe of life-changing, and trailblazing that frontier and its infinite potential is what deeply inspires me to live receptively, tenaciously, and intently. As a professional ‘dream-maker’ I have a keen awareness for complementary relationships and based on the success of its graduates, ‘Leadership Starts Here’ - SDSU College of Business Administration.