About William Dawson

My name is William Dawson, III. I am a 17-year-old senior currently attending Otay Ranch High School. I was born in Portsmouth, VA and I have lived in Chula Vista since the age of 5.

My parents, little brother and other family members are my biggest supporters. Since as far as I could remember, my mother has always talked to me about being the best person that I could be. For example, she has always told me that education would be the key to my success, no matter what path I choose.

It didn’t matter if I learned it through traditional education or trade-school, life experiences or lessons, it was important that I learned something as my education was the one thing that could not be taken away from me. With the help of my parents (who were both in the U.S. Navy), I’ve learned strength, resiliency, acceptance and adaptation and how to apply those qualities in my everyday life.

Being a part of The Blue Heart Foundation, I’ve learned so many valuable lessons, pertaining to being a Black man, but I also learned brotherhood, leadership, compassion, and responsibility.