We all live within stories—the ones we’re told and the ones we tell ourselves. But what happens when those stories limit our potential? Alie, a first-generation college student from The Bronx, knows the weight of those narratives and the freedom that comes with rewriting them. In this talk, he shares his journey of reclaiming the pen and challenging the self-doubt and expectations that tried to hold him back. By reshaping the stories we believe, we can transform our lives and inspire others to do the same. This isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about creating a ripple effect. The stories we choose to live by can spark change in our communities, schools, and workplaces. It all begins with one decision: to reclaim your narrative. Alie is a dynamic leader, scholar, entrepreneur, and content creator dedicated to medicine, community empowerment, and business innovation. A biology major with a psychology minor at Syracuse University, he balances academics with mentorship, advocacy, and creative expression.A first-generation student from the Bronx, Alie is a mentor to many, fosters entrepreneurship, leadership, and cultural celebration on campus. His dedication to global health has taken him to Guatemala and The Gambia, shaping his aspiration to combat health disparities as a physician.Alie is also the founder of Bété Kola, a health and wellness brand specializing in kola nut-based products, merging West African heritage with modern nutrition. His business has won him competitions hosted by Syracuse University's Blackstone LaunchPad.Beyond academia and business, Alie creates fitness and motivational content, inspiring others to build discipline, resilience, and success. Through his work in medicine, leadership, entrepreneurship, and content creation, he is shaping a legacy of inclusivity, empowerment, and innovation, motivating others to push beyond their limits. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx