Shockingly, this is the first-ever story I’ve written about myself, and to be frank, my emotions are a mix of being very stoked and being utterly petrified. In previous situations, opening up and revealing my true, authentic self seemed to be the “worst thing in the world.”
Although everyone is born differently and uniquely, I felt that those characteristics were the very things holding me down to reach the status quo. But, as I am dancing through life and entering the next stage, I’ve taken the notion to overlook meeting the status quo and reaching my dreams instead.
Therefore, I’m honored to introduce myself. I am Ashton Ja’Kari Lamberth, born July 24, 2007, right here in small-town Alexander City. I’m typing this as I am 17 years old, but guess how tall I am? 6-foot-6.
In my opinion, this is abnormal height for such a young man; even though I might be a little bit biased due to disliking my height.
For the majority of my life, my grandparents — AKA my partners-in-crime — raised me, alongside my amazing, fearless mother. It’s quite evident they morphed me into who I am, as my favorite foods are as follows: mint chip ice cream, oatmeal raisin cookies, Raisin Bran and sardines.
It may be possible that these are the foods that are making me so tall – just joking.
I know that how my life transforms lies in the hands of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ, who has played an integral role in my life. Now, we’re going to take a huge jump forward to the present day (so we can take a look at life before AND life now.)
Many view me as the “jack-of-all-trades,” but I see myself as a continuation of my grandfather, who unfortunately passed away in July 2023, succumbing to COPD and cirrhosis of the liver.
From serving as a state officer for Alabama HOSA-Future Health Professionals to representing the student body as SGA Executive President, the many roles I have taken on throughout the eras of my life have set the stage for a successful and bright future. I won’t list my entire novel of accolades – everyone in this community is well aware of those.
But what I find most interesting about myself is my love for people. From setting an inclusive environment for all to making connections with those who seem different, I love interacting and fostering a love for those who I come into contact with. It’s with this very love for people that constructed my passion for the world of politics.
I know sometimes politicians go against what they stood for in the beginning to get their pockets bigger, but I firmly believe I will never be influenced by corporate money, and instead, do what I do best: serve others with passion and purpose.
That’s what I hope to do here at The Outlook — to bring my youth voice into our vibrant, incredible community with passion and purpose.
My generation is being handed a torch that has been lit for nearly 250 years. To eternalize that flame, it’s critical we use our voices and minds as the vehicles for change. Yes, the world is scary, polarizing and difficult to manage at times, but at the end of the day, this is our home, and the home for your children, their children and the rest of your generational timeline.
Alexander City, let’s embrace each moment, even in our failures and fears, join as fellow brothers and sisters and further ourselves as the visionaries and innovators of tomorrow.
Ashton Lamberth is a senior at Benjamin Russell High School. He is a contributing writer for TPI.