In the four weeks that I’ve been at FPC Montgomery, I have been introduced to an eclectic group of campers with various backgrounds and stories. I’ve met former CEOs, NFL executives, NFL players, lawyers, business owners, pharmacists, doctors, and corporate officers. But the biggest cohort is here because of drug offenses.
When I inquire from white collar campers about there plans upon departure, the answers are typically varied, but pretty much what I would expect: start a business, real estate, sales, etc. On the hand, a disproportionate number of drug offense campers seem to be interested in pursuing a music career as a producer or singer/rapper. I often hear them attempting to perfect their craft and singing to themselves with no cheering audience to give them feedback. One of these individuals is my bunkmate “Hym” (yea, that’s right, “Hym”).
Hym told me he was a music artist on the first day we met. He further added that this is something that he has always wanted to do since he was a young teen, but didn’t have the encouragement from home to grow and develop his skills and talent.
To be honest, I was initially ambivalent to his revelation. While I wasn’t rude, I didn’t show enthusiastic support or words of affirmation upon hearing his dreams and passion. I simply said, “Oh, that’s nice”. Inside though, I thought to myself, “Hym is probably going to face a steep uphill climb to make his music dream a reality. I hope he has a Plan B.”
Over the next few weeks, I got to know Hym personally. He is from Charlotte where he grew up with his mother, father, and siblings. Like me, he is a father who yearns for the comfort and love of his kids. Finally, he loves to read for self improvement, debate, and mentor young broken campers about the next phase of their life. Contrary to what you might think, however, we didn’t discuss his music aspirations anymore until…
Last Saturday, I returned from the library where I had been reading. We had 10 minutes before the 4pm count and I knew that being late is a big offense. Hym was on the top bunk listening to music with headphones wrapped around his ears. As soon as I sat in my chair, Hym sat up and with a huge smile on his face asked, “Hey Mr Reggie, do you want to listen to one of my songs?” I responded, “Sure” and put the headphones on unsure of what I was about to hear.
The song had a unique beat. I could tell it was professionally produced. The sound drew me in with great anticipation wondering what was next. Then I heard the voice. WOW, what a voice. It sounded familiar like someone I’d heard on the radio harmonizing a sweet melody. The song wasn’t rap like I expected, it was more a mix of R&B and contemporary. It was a beautiful love song. Between the voice and lyrics, I followed along intently enjoying the message and the melody. Not wanting to be presumptuous, I thought, “could this be Bruno Mars?” But wait, I’m confused. My bunkie told me he sings and this sounded like someone else.
When the song was over, I inquired, “Do you sing and produce?” “Yes, I write, sing, and produce”, he said. With a puzzling look on my face, I asked, “Well, who is singing that song?” “It’s me,” Hym replied. “No way”, I shouted as if startled by a ghost. Hym confirmed again that is was him that I was listening to. I was surprised, shocked, and in awe. The voice that I had experienced in everyday conversation for the past two weeks metaphorically changed and sounded amazing. It produced a melody that instantly convinced me of its commercial appeal if only given the right opportunity. We both burst into laughter, but for different reasons; I was astonished it was him and he found my reaction comical.
Given the right opportunity, I’m betting that Hym will be successful. He is undoubtedly talented, committed, and determined. But he is not the only one. With over 800 campers here from diverse backgrounds, I know that there’s hidden talent everywhere. Just like Hym, it will take the right opportunity for fellow campers to maximize their potential and achieve greatness. No one here is asking for a handout. They just want an opportunity. Are you willing to give these campers a chance?
Public Service Announcement: Hym’s song is titled “You” by Terius Da Don. It can be found on YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify, and Trulincs.
