Roberto Tirado '21 Recruiting Profile

Roberto Tirado 

Personal Statement

GROWING UP

The earliest memory I have is in my mothers womb, I know that sounds bizarre. I remember it being pitch black, but then being able to sense the light, hearing noises from the outside just wanting to be free. What a powerful meaning behind the so-called word, “Life”. I was born in Manati, Puerto Rico on Tuesday July 22nd, 2003 at 3:22pm. When I was first introduced to the world, I was  received in open arms being the first male born from both sides of the family. I had the privilege of discovering a new land called Camden, NJ. Not because my family had the choice but due to the need of seeking medical treatment for my younger sister who was born with special needs. It took my family almost a year to adjust to the changes such as being far from our original home, language, weather, culture and the fact that my father left us all alone and never looked back.

Growing up in a household and learning to become a man around two females is quite difficult. Eventually another man came into our family of three and raised me although he was a pain most of the time. At least I can say I had the experience to look at someone and call them dad at a young age. However, that “eventually” didn’t mean forever in this story of my life. At the age of thirteen he left and also never looked back, I felt alone all over again, I remember the day he never said goodbye. I was leaving the house for a basketball game while I saw him pull off in his f-150 pickup truck, I felt hurt but I promised myself I won’t ever become a father who leaves their child alone, during the ride to the game that night I felt angry ranking up twenty points to win our first playoff game, I felt relieved and from that day I said I will always be the best version of myself.

Since my early years of my childhood, I was attracted to the rhythm of music and the bouncing of the basketball. I taught myself the amazing sport that I now cherish and love. I went outside everyday and dribbled back and forth in the rain, sun, snow, mud. Nothing ever stopped my determination and hard work for the game. Going on youtube and watching NBA highlights especially of  the unforgettable “Kobe Bryant”, Basketball has truly inspired me to become better in everything that I do. I can be going through a rough time but once I grab a basketball and step onto the court my mind goes elsewhere it helps me relieve stress. It makes me feel unstoppable and worthy of anything. I’ve been through ups and downs throughout my life and this game has given me an opportunity to overcome those struggles. By running straight through them not around, over, or under. I can proudly say all of my coaches have given me life lessons and they will be there for me whenever I need some advice. 

Although there is “ONE” thing in this world I know for a fact will always and forever be by my side and that would be my lovely mother. I know the struggle she has been through during these seventeen years of my life raising me as a single parent and my sister with special needs, having multiple surgeries. No family members ever reached out to us with any help or given us any hope, not even words of wisdom to motivate my mother. Being the man of the house I’ve accepted my responsibilities. I’ve managed to be an honor student my junior year of high school with three of them being classes for Rowan and Rutgers University. While maintaining a job at “Wendy's Fast Food”, and being on the varsity basketball team as starting point guard. My life will not be led by negativity or my past, I will provide the needs for my family of three by succeeding in my lifetime goals.