The time is 2 a.m. It is 95 degrees outside and I am here. In Mosul, Iraq, inside of a scud bunker because the incoming scud alarm has sounded and they expect mortar rounds to land somewhere on our Forward Operation Base. Once the ‘all clear’ is given and all personnel are accounted for, I return to my sleeping quarters thinking: why I am not dressed in a shirt and tie, with dress pants and overly priced socks and shoes? Why am I not sitting behind a desk, staring at my computer screen, getting ready to make a business decision to save a company millions of dollars? Why am I not taking international flights to close on a business deal? That night I didn’t sleep continuously telling myself, ‘this can’t be life’!!

          Hello, my name is Ontonio Grant and welcome to my E-Portfolio. You’ve just read the moment when I decided to change my life. I’m currently a sophomore at the University of South Carolina Sumter, studying Management Science with a concentration in Global Supply Chain Management. In May, I will graduate with my Associates in Arts along with leadership distinction in community service. Upon graduation, I will transfer to the Columbia campus and further my education at The Darla Moore School of Business to finish my Bachelor’s degree.

          My journey up to this point has been an eye opening experience. Since graduating high school 13 years ago, I had only taken one college course. I was the solider who looked at the officers and stated who needs a college degree and if he could do it, I could do it with my eyes closed. Boy, was I about to be in a pure state of shock during that first semester. I learned to respect the process of working towards your degree. I realized that it wasn’t nearly as easy as I thought. I quickly caught onto the curriculum and how all of the subjects were integrated in some fashion. They appeared to be a reference point from one subject to the next. I noticed that while studying for Sociology, I was being taught about some of the same scientists in Biology and their contribution to the science. English 101 related back to Sociology by mentioning several experiments and reasons why we interact with each other in the fashions we do. The only subject which seem to be on the outside looking in was Math. I questioned several professors the importance on math beyond the basics of adding, subtracting, multiplying and division. Math’s importance wouldn’t be understood until my sophomore year once I began my business courses.

          To be afforded the opportunity to participate in the Graduation with Leadership Distinction class is an honor for me. With my E-Portfolio, I will reflect on how my experiences inside of the classroom assist me outside of the classroom. The beauty of doing an E-Portfolio for the first time also provides me with an opportunity to enhance my brand as well. One can truly be successful once they realize that every moment in life is to be a teaching or learning moment. University of South Carolina Sumter has helped me unlock that portion of my mind appreciate the art and beauty of the simple things we take for granted in life. I am now equipped to watch a movie and understand the effort which went on behind camera. Apply the teachings from Anthropology to understand cultural difference without passing judgement. Last but not least enlighten fellow African Americans of their rich histories that are not being taught in the books at the high school level. I hope you enjoy browsing through my E Portfolio as I openly share moment from my first two years of college.