Personal Narrative: Money And Life Lessons I Learned From Mr. T

Improved Essays
Money and Life Lessons I learned from Mr. T
“People ask what gives me the authority to give advice? I say, First of all, I don't give advice. Dr Phil gives advice. Mr T helps people. I motivate them, I inspire them, I give them hope, and I plant the seed so they can feel good about themselves” -- Mr. T
If you grew up in the 80’s or 90’s, then you know the name Mr. T. He was former United States Army veteran and Military Policeman who turned into a bouncer and bodyguard for the rich and famous. He later became a famous television personality while starring the 80’s sitcom “The A-Team.”
He also was a public motivator and made a motivational video to help kids such as dealing with peer pressure, money management, appreciating who they are,
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T to this day because he always made me feel good about myself and that just being me more was more than good enough.
I will share with you some of the things he taught me that I have carried with me into adulthood.
First, an introduction of the man named Mr. T.
THE MAN BEHIND THE T
"First name: Mister; middle name: period; last name T." - Mr. T on an episode of the NBC series Silver Spoons (1982-1986)
What is in a name?
“People ask me what the "T" stands for in my name. If you're a man, the "T" stands for tough. If you're a woman or child, it stands for tender!” – Mr. T
Mr. T grew up in Chicago. He said growing up as a young man he saw that his father and other African Americans did not get a lot of respect in their communities.
Therefore, he decided to coin himself Mr. T. He said that was because the first thing you say is Mister and that word is an automatic sign of respect.
The letter T is simply the first letter of his last name.
“When I was old enough to change my name, I changed it to Mr. T so that the first word out of someone's mouth was 'Mister,' a sign of respect.” -- Mr. T
At the age of 18, he decided as a man he deserved to be respected as one and; therefore, self-ordained himself Mr. T from that day
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If you spend eight sleeping, four going to school, four reading and exercising, and eight working then there is no time left for sitting on your laurels and being idle.
FROM BOUNCER TO ACTOR
“The reason why I wear gold - I wear gold for three reasons. One, when Jesus was born, three wise men came from the east: one brought frankincense, one brought myrrh, the other one brought gold. The second reason I wear gold is I can afford it. The third reason I wear it, it's symbolic of my African heritage.” - Mr. T
After his military discharge, he became a bouncer.
“To be a bodyguard is to be a kamikaze pilot. Dedicated.” -- Mr. T
It was during this time that he created his Mr. T persona and started wearing gold jewelry.
He parlayed his job of bouncer into a decade long career as a bodyguard.
His reputation became so well-known and highly regarded that he became a bodyguard to the stars and protected celebrities such as Steve McQueen, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross.
“I used to bodyguard for Muhammad Ali, Leon Spinks, Sugar Ray Leonard. I used to bodyguard a lot of diamond merchants; I would travel with a suitcase full of diamonds and take them from point A to point B. My reputation grew because I was a professional. I did my job, and I was courteous - a no-nonsense guy.” - Mr.

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