College student tried to sell his future for $10,000 on eBay
Grad student Terrance Wyatt is selling stock in his future.
I have seen many novel ways to fund a college education. But Terrance Wyatt, 23, a Clark Atlanta grad student, is offering a slice of his future on eBay for $10,000. He is selling stock in himself. (Ebay pulled the listing as of Thursday afternoon.)
I called the 23-year-old after reading his eBay item on Wednesday. Eighteen credits short of graduating, Wyatt says he has a 3.0 average. The eBay ad reflected his desperation, he says. Grad students don’t get much financial aid, and Clark Atlanta is not exactly flush with extra cash. (Here is a sobering WSJ article on the evaporation of college aid this year.)
“It’s one of those last option things. I have tapped all my resources. I have been through financial aid through the last six years of college. This is pretty much it…this is my last chance to do something.”
As for the disappearance of the ad Thursday, Wyatt said, “Yes, someone from eBay gave me a call today and told me that unfortunately my listing violated their listing policy. They wished me success in the future and expressed sympathy but told me it was out their hands as far their listing policy.”
There has been a lot of skepticism, but I had called Clark Atlanta to verify that Wyatt is a student in good standing. Wyatt has addressed many of the critics directly by coming onto this blog so please read his comments below. He also provided his phone number and e-mail.
Again, the ad is now gone, but here is a condensed version: “I am in the last year of my master’s of business administration program here at Clark Atlanta University. As many of you, I have become a of victim of the recession (a depression to some of us) in our wonderful country and I am in danger of losing everything I have worked for in the brief 23 years of my life. The root of my problem stems from not being able to cover all of the tuition in the final year of my pursuit of higher education. I am short about $10,000 of realizing a life long dream.
I am a first generation college student in my family. My mother did not finish high school but she did the best she could in raising me under the circumstances. I haven’t seen my father since I was 7 years old. Although being raised in poverty, and around drugs and violence; by the grace of God, I overcame my surroundings and graduated in the top 10% of my high school class (2004).
So I am willing to offer you a piece of my future. I am an aspiring hedge fund manager, social activist, and entrepreneur. I am offering to give the person that is willing to help me now, a percentage of everything that is soon to come in my life. This investment in my future right now, could potentially pay off to be millions for you if I have my way.
I can verify everything I have said. I am not trying to scam or lie to anyone. I just want to graduate this year and break the cycle of self-destruction and poverty in my family once and for all.
As far as being a benefactor of my future earnings, we can have the documents customized to your liking by the firm of your choosing (or mine if you would like) to insure you will be entitled to future compensation from any of my future earnings and business ventures. You will also receive a thank you card and a personal note of gratitude as an immediate item.”
Okay, folks, I know you are a tough audience, but don’t you have to give Wyatt credit for ingenuity? Now that eBay has pulled his ad, he will have to come up with a new approach. Several of you have suggested he get a job and go to school at night. That might be his only option now, although that would probably mean a much longer road to his degree.
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103 comments Add your comment
Manager
August 20th, 2009
5:55 am
I think he needs to be careful not to sell himself too cheaply, but he is definitely ingenious.
However, I was actually struck by the fact he is a “23 year old MBA student.” Unless he was very precocious and graduated from college very young, that suggests he has a minimal experiences in the business world. Most reputable graduate schools will require several years of full-time working experiences before admitting anyone to their MBA program. I’m not sure if I would hire anyone with MBA earned without much experiences prior to their graduate study. I would also hesitate to hire MBA from this school if this is a common practice by them.
Ernest
August 20th, 2009
7:11 am
I’ll give him credit for originality. There may be an ‘angel’ out there that gives him the ‘break’ that he is seeking.
momtoAlex&Max
August 20th, 2009
7:13 am
I certainly do. And I give you one more: if I had the 10K I would absolutely do it.
Sure you can call me naive. But this young man is at least trying to break the cycle and get something done with his life. I wish him the best.
Bob Perrow
August 20th, 2009
8:07 am
mdowney, will you send me contact information on Terrence Wyatt?
bp
LeeH1
August 20th, 2009
9:03 am
An MBA student should be able to finance his education with grants, scholarships, loans and other resources. If he can’t, how is he going to survive in the outside world of bank loans and other financing? An ingenious idea, but there is no way the investor would be able to collect on the loan. I suspect a scam.
Ben
August 20th, 2009
9:15 am
I would also like some information on this young man…
FYI… I have an MBA and you do not have to be in the “business world” before being accepted into a program… A lot of companies will not even consider you if you do not, so it works hand in hand.
THanks
mdowney
August 20th, 2009
10:05 am
To those of you who want to contact Terrance Wyatt, you can do so through his eBay ad, or shoot me an e-mail at mdowney@ajc.com and I will forward to him. I will also ask him check out the blog and post any responses.
Maureen
Turd Ferguson
August 20th, 2009
10:13 am
LOL…A sucker is born every minute. This fellow, while ingenious in his motive, is probably so far in debt from student loans etc., that the $10K will not be re-paid. Add to that the fact that he could file bankruptcy and the $10K loaner could windup holding an empty sack.
PS…student loans cant be “written off”, however, personal loans can.
Just know if you loan this young man the cash it could very well blow up in ya face. Good luck!
Seen it all
August 20th, 2009
10:23 am
Oh for the love of God!!! This used to be the kind of story you would read in the National Examiner. You know– the stories like “WWII bomber found on moon” or “Woman gives birth to ratbaby.” Now so called “mainstream” publications publish drivel like this.
What idiot would “invest” in something like this? Besides MILLIONS of people, some college educated, with graduate degrees to boot, are walking the streets of America like zombies. This guy will probably end up selling TV’s at Best Buy — MBA notwithstanding.
Black Girl
August 20th, 2009
10:51 am
Sure wish I could help. I think it’s definitely an ingenious idea. Maybe he can take some small gifts from those of us that just want to see him graduate and realize his dreams.
For the Turds and likes of the world…you name says it all!
Turd Ferguson
August 20th, 2009
11:11 am
Well then typical-black-girl-with-bad-attitude. You seem to be quite gulliable, naive’ and nasty. You should be first inline to assist this poor soul in his endeavors. Getout that checkbook, max out that credit card, take out that second mortgage, trade-in that Pontiac Grand Am and help a brutha out!
Captain Underpants
August 20th, 2009
12:18 pm
Internet panhandling…what a novel idea!
Black Girl
August 20th, 2009
1:02 pm
Actually Turd I can assure you that you have more debt than I do. The only nastiness spouted today came from your keys. Are you speaking of your own life?!
And for the record…I drive a used Lexus which I own. How’s your financial portfolio?
Football Expert
August 20th, 2009
1:14 pm
I paid my own way thru to an MBA with a JOB. He could also consider joining the military. That would give all the GI Bill money needed or could end an excellent career choice.
What is right for kids?
August 20th, 2009
1:24 pm
Come on, guys. Give the man props for coming up with the idea. He is truly an entrepreneur. Even if he gets a hundred bucks, he’s got a hundred bucks, and when he lands a job, the person who “invests” can say they knew him when.
Bully for Terrance!
Turd Ferguson
August 20th, 2009
1:45 pm
“Actually Turd I can assure you that you have more debt than I do”
Wow…just what kindve of a palm reader/soothsayer are you!! What does your crystal ball have in store for OboboCare. Who will win the pennant this year? Based on your omniscience what does life have in store for us all. Will we save ourselves from ourselves or vice versa?
Nonetheless if ya have to spout about it ya probably have none of it. At any rate, since you are obviously so well off then perhaps a helping hand is due this fellow. So tell us…how much will you be donating to this fine young man.
PS…Lexus is overrated.
mdowney
August 20th, 2009
1:52 pm
Turd, As someone who drives a 92 Toyota Previa, I’ll take an overrated Lexus, if you have a spare.
Turd Ferguson
August 20th, 2009
1:54 pm
Perhaps black girl will sell ya hers.
Why?
August 20th, 2009
2:13 pm
Why would this idea be considered ingenious? Because no one’s ever seen it done before? There are two reasons new things pop up: 1) because they ARE ingenious, which this is not. 2) because anybody with a brain knows they are too ridiculous to work, which this is.
Turd Ferguson
August 20th, 2009
2:13 pm
PS…a paid for Lexus + the typical bad attitude exhibited by black girl = approx a 1997 Lexus…give or take a few years.
Just a guess…tee hee.
Turd Ferguson
August 20th, 2009
2:24 pm
Ya…I digress and agree with Why? and Captain Underpants.
Internet panhandling.
Chaz
August 20th, 2009
4:09 pm
From Ebay->
This listing (200374820080) has been removed, or this item is not available.
Please check that you’ve entered the correct item number
Listings that have ended 90 or more days ago will not be available for viewing.
Scam???
mdowney
August 20th, 2009
4:11 pm
Chaz. It was there this morning, but I did think eBay would eventually pull it as I am not sure that you can sell something as intangible as a stake in future earnings. I’ll check with Terrance and let you know.
Black Girl
August 20th, 2009
4:11 pm
Actually TURD it’s a 2001, but dang, you were really close. Good job lol!
atlanta_ice
August 20th, 2009
5:22 pm
“charity or fundraising listings” are prohibited on eBay UNLESS the charity is through the eBay Giving Works program, or the solicitation is on behalf of a recognized, tax-deductible charitable organizations (for example, (501(c)(3) or equivalent status with the IRS). And the seller must receive advance written consent from eBay
http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/items-ov.html
http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/fundraising.html
Lee
August 20th, 2009
5:23 pm
As someone who worked full time while obtaining my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I don’t have much sympathy for young Mr Wyatt’s plight.
There are also internships and co-opting which will allow a college student to gain valuable experience and earn money.
Bob Perrow
August 20th, 2009
11:59 pm
Am I the only guy who wants to help……………….?
Come on people! I can’t do it all but I can do a little. Leave sorry attitudes behind and help someone who is trying to help themselves. Is work under-rated here? Maybe. We can talk about that. Are other options left on the table? Yes. I have four kids, two of whom made their own way thanks to the Marine Corps and the USAF………..god bless all our troops.
But to ridicule and downgrade a man’s struggle and dream is to cut life off at conception. Oh yes, that’s another item, isn’t it?
bp
Tee Fox
August 21st, 2009
7:01 am
Who are these agents like “Turd”? They come into the picture to divide us. You can tell that “Turd” is not of color. So now that the world have lost respect for you and your people. Mainly because you have stolen and coned the world. Now you need some attention. Now your goal is to try to cause a division among black folks. Well I have news for you the world already has your number. My People learn how not to fall into the trap of the enemy!
Now this young man who is asking for help is a genius. Let face it. His idea is very creative and original. I know what it is to go threw hard times. And at present I am going threw them now but, If I could help I would. I would be the one investing in this young mans future. For those out there looking to take this young mans SOUL forget about it. We need now to help our own now. No one else cares about us.
Terrance keep up the fight for success! You will get what you need. Its really a shame how bad the racism has gotten since our new president.
Now o
Bill
August 21st, 2009
7:09 am
The part of the ad that gave me pause is this: “I am an aspiring hedge fund manager, social activist, and entrepreneur.” This guy does not have a clue what he wants to do. A previous poster mentioned work experience between undergrad and B-school. Most do require this and with good reason. Two years in the business world, and he will have a much clearer idea of what he wants to do (or at least what he doesn’t). Then finishing that MBA will be a good idea.
IamME
August 21st, 2009
7:23 am
I almost felt sorry for the guy….. until I checked out his Facebook page. Blah! Next article please!
NORRIS
August 21st, 2009
7:31 am
interesting. He is going to sell himself into slavery for the rest of his life. The african american community should be very angry at him.
Rod
August 21st, 2009
7:39 am
I have an MBA.
Manager – Most “respectable” universities do not require business experience in order to let you into their MBA program. Do you have an MBA?
Also: I worked while going to school and paid for my education. Sounds like Terrance has never actually worked before. Seriously, looking for the easy way out instead of getting a job and paying his own way through school?
If he is legitimate (hopefully he is), he’d be better off getting a job than paying back someone (hopefully) thousands of dollars every year.
jared
August 21st, 2009
7:51 am
I like Terrence’s attitude, way to think outside the box! I don’t think he is asking for sympathy, and am sure he has thought about internships, but internships won’t do a lot of good if he doesn’t have the money for next semester. Of course he could drop out for a semester and work, but there aren’t that many good jobs, and saving $10,000 at an entry level job might take a few years, so why not try something with some ingenuity? In the very least, If I were an employer, I would give this bright young man an interview!
I have access to investment property at 50% discounts that bring 50% Return on Investment or could be sold for $20,000 profit. I would be willing to provide these properties at cost to someone who would be willing to use $10,000 of the profit to help! How about a 3/2.5 2 car garage for $36,000 that last sold for $119,000 and only needs $4,000 in rehab – could easily sell for $80,000 even in today’s market.
Okay... NO
August 21st, 2009
8:01 am
Checked out his facebook and twitter… Not getting my money. Maybe he should change his militant profile picture. Why doesn’t he sell his “grill” and “bling” for money. And stop taking pictures of money, alcohol, and jewelry.
Georgia 1st
August 21st, 2009
8:12 am
Well, most reputable schools allow you to get an graduate degree after you finish undergrad. Mr. Manager was actually referring to executive MBA programs which I’m sure he’s not in. Those have different requirements because their applicants didn’t have the same course work as recent graduates.
Any young man who’s about to finish his MBA at 23 is amazing. It was 30 when I got mine.
With an unemployment rate of over 10%, someone who has a job referral should give it to him as I’m sure this was something he tried since he’s exhausted his resources.
2009 Camry Mommy
August 21st, 2009
8:14 am
I’m with Bob Perrow on this one. Help the young man out. Give with a happy heart or shut up already.
Of course there are other avenues. I worked two or three jobs to get an undergraduate and graduate degree. It would have been great if I had a sponsor but I never asked.
He could be out in the world giving in to his surroundings but he took the bridge to success. $10K is a good bit of money but isn’t an education worth it? Isn’t breaking the cycle in a family worth it? I was the first in my family to get a 4-year degree and a master’s degree. My parents and grandparents cried at both ceremonies and I held my head high.
Bill: Who says he can’t be all three things?
Black Girl, I like how you handled Turd.
Terrance, if you read this, I wish you all the luck. If you believe in the Lord, I hope you’ve taken this to him in prayer. Prayer is more powerful than many believe. There are kind and godly people like Mr. Perrow. Just remember to dismiss the Turds of the world. They do their job well but that’s what they are suppose to do.
Thanks mdowney for running this story. Kudos to you.
Turd Ferguson
August 21st, 2009
8:15 am
AHH HAHAHA…this is hilarious. This guy and his scam have been outed. BlackGirl you need to sell that 2001 Lexus and help a brutha out!
MBA Grad
August 21st, 2009
8:25 am
There are too many MBAs in this world, and not enough engineers, nurses, quality teachers, and plumbers. The problem I see is with people looking to the MBA as a ticket to success, while without relevant business experience, it is nearly worthless.
I received an MBA in Marketing from GSU in 2001. Outside of owning a small business, I had never had a marketing-specific job in my life. Obviously I wasn’t going to be hired as a product manager or strategic marketing consultant right out of school with my lack of experience (graduating months after Sept 11th didn’t help either). Without question anyone seeking an MBA needs to seriously consider gaining experience in their field before graduation, even if it is an unpaid internship.
I was fortunate enough to return to my previous business, and I was able to put my MBA to good use in helping me make my business grow. But I still have never worked a day in a marketing job with another company.
MBA Grad
August 21st, 2009
8:32 am
Holy cow!!!
I just looked at young Terrance’s Facebook page.
Terrance “Kal-El” Wyatt? And what’s with the militant pic on his profile?
No way would I give a penny to this guy.
Kids, don’t put anything on a Facebook page you wouldn’t want your employer to see. What an idiot.
Me
August 21st, 2009
8:39 am
FYI everyone. The first Terrance Wyatt that comes up in your facebook search is not this Terrance Wyatt. Compare the pictures….its not the same guy.
Madoff wannabe
August 21st, 2009
8:41 am
Ironically, at the very least, he’d make a great hedge fund manager… attempting sell sucker investors something as intangible as a stake in future earnings!
CJJScout
August 21st, 2009
8:41 am
MBA Grad just sealed what Turd started.
Mark
August 21st, 2009
8:42 am
Yeah, please go checkout his facebook page!!
Turd Ferguson
August 21st, 2009
8:45 am
“I was the first in my family to get a 4-year degree and a master’s degree. My parents and grandparents cried at both ceremonies and I held my head high.”
OH…thats nice…did they also wipe your fanny. Between you, 2009 Camry Mammy and black girl, there should be plenty of $$$ to help a brutha out.
Lettuce know how it goes.
M. Humphreys
August 21st, 2009
8:48 am
If 10,000 people give $1 each, he will have the money he needs to finish his studies and achieve his degree….duh!!!
MBA Grad
August 21st, 2009
8:56 am
To “Me”:
Yes, it IS him. That IS his Facebook page. Look at his “photos” section and compare to the above photo and you’ll see.
The Truth Hurts
August 21st, 2009
9:00 am
I really like the quote he lives by…”Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can givy your equality or justice or anything. If you are a man take.” Malcom X. Black girl sounds like you are out of the picture unless you are a man. If he is truely living by Mal X’s quote it looks like he isn’t doing a very good job. He is asking everyone to GIVE to him while he TAKES nothing…..typical slug.
MBA Grad
August 21st, 2009
9:01 am
Oh yeah, one more thing.
Kal-El, I love the photos of you giving the finger to the camera (multiple times), showing off your “grill”, posing with alcohol (numberous times), giving the gang signs, and the swear words you use to describe your photos.
Yeah, you’re someone I’d want to invest $10,000 in.
mscutie78
August 21st, 2009
9:22 am
I’m not sure where some of you went to school, but most schools do accept individuals into graduate programs right after receiving their bachelor’s. It’s not a far-fetched idea – many individuals want to get all of their schooling out of the way early instead of having to do the working/going to school thing.
The Truth Hurts
August 21st, 2009
9:23 am
Hey Kal-El (whoever that is) why didn’t you use the picture of you with a shotgun and the quote of the “revolution not being televised.” Why did you use the photo of you in a suit and smiling. Thats not the true you….what happened to the “angry black man” that worships Malcome X?????? Hey Kal-El go choke on it.
Ghost of Malcolm X
August 21st, 2009
9:57 am
Leave this young warrior be. He is reprezi-in all proud young black warriors who were kidmappped from the motha-land.
Be strong my brutha!
Fong Lu
August 21st, 2009
10:02 am
test
VoiceOf Reason
August 21st, 2009
10:03 am
Wow, I want to help because I can certainly relate to being the only one in my family to go to college……..HOWEVER, I worked thru school, started saving at 16 when I was old enough to work, then worked my way thru school the ENTIRE four years I was there. Talk about can’t see morning to can’t see night all the while being a full time student!! I still get teary-eyed thinking about it. At one point, I was a full time student with THREE part time jobs simultaneously. I will not help him FINANCIALLY, because the experience and confidence he will build by EARNING this money himself will be priceless.
Ghost of Malcom X
August 21st, 2009
10:04 am
Leave this young man alone. What a fine young specimen, a warrior, a leader, a credit to his race who was kidmapped from the mother land for reprezi-in.
Walk tall my fine young brutha.
Fong Swan Ho
August 21st, 2009
10:07 am
testing…
Bill
August 21st, 2009
10:07 am
mscutie78,
True, Many grad programs do accept (even prefer) students directly out of their undergrad. Just not B-schools
Booger Bandit
August 21st, 2009
10:11 am
This site is functioning quite slowly this a.m.
MBA Grad
August 21st, 2009
10:26 am
Kal-El should sell all that “bling” and use some of those Benjamins he poses with on his Facebook page to help pay for his education.
If you don’t believe me, take a look yourself. Look under his Spring Break photos…
Kal-El
August 21st, 2009
10:37 am
SHO-Tup. I am good man with problem that need financial assistant not silly advise from idiot. Why you no want give me money for college. Is thees not Amereeka. Where is my MONEY!!!
Hand i tova, beeeches!
just another college student
August 21st, 2009
10:51 am
While his idea is something that has not been done in this field, trying to sell stuff like names and potential earnings is not new on eBay. I like his marketing plan. Little to no risk on his part with all the risk on the “investor.” If he really needs that education, he can do the same thing all the rest of us have to do – join the military or work a second job. The things most valued in life are those that are paid for with hard work and perseverance.
On the other hand, if you DO have extra money burning a hole in your pocket and nothing to buy, why not help someone else out? I understand his plight as I am staring at the costs associated with graduate school right now and might have to put it on the back burner until I get some funds set aside for it. I am sure that he would utilize the money more wisely than many others would.
MBA Grad
August 21st, 2009
11:12 am
Just another college student,
Please look at this kid’s Facebook page, read his profile and view his pictures and then tell me again that you think he would utilize money invested in him wisely.
Maureen, I’m also eager to hear your thoughts on young Terrance’s public profile.
2009 Camry Mommy
August 21st, 2009
11:19 am
To Mr. Turd ‘I’m an unhappy person who feels it necessary to always think of something negative to say because I can’t think of anything positive in my own shameful life’ Ferguson, I am guessing by all your comments that you will not ‘help a brutha out’. Am I correct in my assumption? Figured as much.
You suck!!
But I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Now get off the computer at the library so someone else can use it…you Turd…lol.
mdowney
August 21st, 2009
11:29 am
MBA Grad. If I judged any teenager or twentysomething on their FaceBook page, I would think they were all on the path to perdition. A friend of mine places college students in internships, including students from Ivy League colleges. She says they all have to scrub their pages clean, from their wild photos to their coarse language.
Black Girl
August 21st, 2009
11:44 am
TURD, I can’t help but notice that you’ve mentioned my name quite a few times in your posts. What’s the obsession?!
I haven’t taken the time to view his Facebook or MySpace pages, but I will certainly do so. However, I will take it with a grain of salt. He’s young.
2009 Camry Mommy…great response!
Turd Ferguson
August 21st, 2009
12:08 pm
“You suck!! But I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Now get off the computer at the library so someone else can use it…you Turd…lol.”
LMAO!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend also!
MBA Grad
August 21st, 2009
12:19 pm
Maureen, I understand your point, but we’re not talking about your average teenager or college student. We’re talking about a 23 year old MBA student who is presently seeking INVESTORS in his FUTURE.
You’d think someone asking me to invest $10,000 of my money would try a bit harder to present themselves as worthy of the investment. From what I see, this prospectus is severely lacking.
MBA Grad
August 21st, 2009
12:22 pm
And “Turd”, you originally had a decent point, but have lost it in racist stereotypical rhetoric. Surely you can express yourself better than that.
james t
August 21st, 2009
2:10 pm
mba grad, checkout this site and maybe this can help you. http://www.jamesthomas.buildlastingsuccess.com
Turd Ferguson
August 21st, 2009
3:12 pm
Sorry MBA…lemme try again…*POOOOOTTTT*
Hows that!
Karen
August 21st, 2009
3:25 pm
For those of you who think this is a scam just remember this. Anyone who wanted to help this guy out could send the money straight to the college instead of sending the money to Mr. Wyatt. That way, you know for sure whether or not it is a scam.
Furthermore, this can’t be any worse than the college girl who sold her virginity on ebay!!!!!
tommy
August 21st, 2009
3:42 pm
How do I contact this kid? If nothing else,I’m willing to have a conversation with him.
Former Paratrooper
August 21st, 2009
4:02 pm
You have got to be kidding me right? The writing is on the wall, scam! This guy is only 23 years old and has a lifetime ahead of him to live. Why does he need this money right here and right now instead of going out and earning it. Investment in future earnings? Come on! By the way, I am also black and came from poverty. However, I joined the army earned a college degree with the use of the Army College Fund and went back into the Army as an officer where I earned my masters. I am due to retire in another 3 years. I find this to be very tragic. What’s even worse is I wasted a lot of time reading everyone’s posts on something so outlandish!
MBA Grad
August 21st, 2009
4:27 pm
I don’t think the kid’s a scam artist. Just a very bad investment.
mdowney
August 21st, 2009
5:14 pm
Folks, I want to make sure that you understand that I verified Mr. Wyatt is registered at Clark Atlanta. You may not like his financing idea, but he is a student.
Whiteboy in Dunwoody
August 21st, 2009
5:36 pm
If he would let me buy $100 shares I’m in. Anyone smart enough to think of this has a bright future.
Terrance Wyatt
August 21st, 2009
8:12 pm
Hello everyone,
Thank you for your comments no matter whether they were negative or positive. I can assure you that everything that has been described in the story is indeed true. I am just now getting a chance to read through all the comments that have been left so far. So as suggested, I believe I should address a few of the concerns that have been raised.
- I am indeed registered at Clark Atlanta as an MBA student for this upcoming term for 18 credits which is 6 classes. I am a second year Finance major. Please feel free to contact the Dean of the Clark Atlanta Business School. His name is Dr. Edward Davis. He can be reached by email at edavis@cau.edu or by phone at 404-880-8475. He knows me very well.
- It seems quite a few people are disturbed at my facebook profile. Yes, my current profile picture is of Huey P. Newton. I am not a black militant nor am I a member of any militant organization. However, I do agree with some of the advances Huey P. Newton & the Black Panthers made for the civil rights movement and the African American race as a whole…. such as the free hot school breakfast program for low income inner city children (which I benefited heavily from growing up) & his strong belief in self education for those who didn’t have access to a proper education at the time. He was not perfect but nor is anyone else, however, he did do some profound things and I believe that he should be given credit for that.
- Second “Kal-El” for you comic books fans is superman’s original name before he was sent to earth from Krypton. Just as he portrays himself as Clark Kent in the public as a seemingly ordinary man who in reality has the whole world on his shoulders, that’s how I feel about myself. I have my entire family looking up to me, from old to young, to make it through school and begin a new chapter in my family tree that is free from poverty and despair. This also coincides with my twitter profile as “blackmanofsteel”. In order to make it out the circumstances I came from to where I am now I believe I had to be a “man of steel”.
- As far as some of pictures on facebook. I am not ashamed of having fun on a vacation as a young man and there is nothing extreme in any picture. I do not feel it necessary to explain every photo.
- Now as far as job, I have two jobs right now just to survive and go to school. I am a tutor for the state of Georgia program tutoring low income students in a number of counties around Atlanta. I am also doing social media consulting for a real estate firm in Atlanta. As a undergraduate, I attended Kettering University……Kettering aside from being one of the most prominent engineering schools in the nation also has the premiere co-op program in the nation. This means that I worked all four years there rotating 11 weeks of school with 12 weeks of work with major corporations the entire four years. This was the only way I was able to pay for college, through my own sweat and determination. Clark Atlanta University does not have a co-op program. I have done the best I can to not only pay for education but to just “survive” in Atlanta on my own.
- Now as far financing my education, I have received scholarships and grants as an undergrad. However, as a graduate student financial aid is limited, especially at an HBCU such as Clark Atlanta where 97 % of the students receive financial aid and federal funding is scarce. As far as loans, I make no excuses about that. I have $70,000 currently in student loans in deferment. However, I have only been able to receive federal loans because my no one in my family has ever had the credit necessary to get approved for a loan. Also please remember I am only 23 years old and do not have an established credit record myself due to the struggles of just surviving the last 5 years alone in college.
Please, I ask you, don’t assume anything about anyone unless you are willing to get to know that person and their story. People my entire life have assumed that because of the circumstances I was brought up in and who I was I related to, that I wouldn’t make it where I am today, 9 months away from receiving my masters degree. I wrote that ad not as a cry for help or money but to really just bring attention and inspiration to the hard working young people such as myself with humble beginnings whose tremendous stories seem to go unnoticed. No matter if anyone doesn’t give me a dime, I am going to make it because God is on my side and he will not let me fail. I am determined to succeed at all costs and I am dedicated helping others out just like myself who are struggling to change their hand dealt in life.
Again, thank you for your comments and God bless you all. You can reach me by e-mail at terrance.wyatt@gmail.com or my cell phone 313-550-3966.
Terrance Wyatt
August 21st, 2009
10:00 pm
Hello everyone,
Thank you for your comments no matter whether they were negative or positive. I can assure you that everything that has been described in the story is indeed true. I am just now getting a chance to read through all the comments that have been left so far. So as suggested, I believe I should address a few of the concerns that have been raised.
Terrance Wyatt
August 21st, 2009
10:00 pm
- I am indeed registered at Clark Atlanta as an MBA student for this upcoming term for 18 credits which is 6 classes. I am a second year Finance major. Please feel free to contact the Dean of the Clark Atlanta Business School. His name is Dr. Edward Davis. He can be reached by email at edavis@cau.edu or by phone at 404-880-8475. He knows me very well.
Terrance Wyatt
August 21st, 2009
10:01 pm
- It seems quite a few people are disturbed at my facebook profile. Yes, my current profile picture is of Huey P. Newton. I am not a black militant nor am I a member of any militant organization. However, I do agree with some of the advances Huey P. Newton & the Black Panthers made for the civil rights movement and the African American race as a whole…. such as the free hot school breakfast program for low income inner city children (which I benefited heavily from growing up) & his strong belief in self education for those who didn’t have access to a proper education at the time. He was not perfect but nor is anyone else, however, he did do some profound things and I believe that he should be given credit for that.
Terrance Wyatt
August 21st, 2009
10:02 pm
- It seems quite a few people are disturbed at my facebook profile. Yes, my current profile picture is of Huey P. Newton. I am not a black militant nor am I a member of any militant organization. However, I do agree with some of the advances Huey P. Newton & the Black Panthers made for the civil rights movement and the African American race as a whole.
Terrance Wyatt
August 21st, 2009
10:02 pm
such as the free hot school breakfast program for low income inner city children (which I benefited heavily from growing up) & his strong belief in self education for those who didn’t have access to a proper education at the time. He was not perfect but nor is anyone else, however, he did do some profound things and I believe that he should be given credit for that.
Terrance Wyatt
August 21st, 2009
10:03 pm
such as the free hot school breakfast program for low income inner city children (which I benefited heavily from growing up) & his strong belief in self education for those who didn’t have access to a proper education at the time.
Terrance Wyatt
August 21st, 2009
10:07 pm
Second “Kal-El” for you comic books fans is superman’s original name before he was sent to earth from Krypton. Just as he portrays himself as Clark Kent in the public as a seemingly ordinary man who in reality has the whole world on his shoulders, that’s how I feel about myself. I have my entire family looking up to me, from old to young, to make it through school and begin a new chapter in my family tree that is free from poverty and despair. This also coincides with my twitter profile as “blackmanofsteel”. In order to make it out the circumstances I came from to where I am now I believe I had to be a “man of steel”.
Terrance Wyatt
August 21st, 2009
10:07 pm
As far as some of pictures on facebook. I am not ashamed of having fun on a vacation as a young man and there is nothing extreme in any picture. I do not feel it necessary to explain every photo.
Terrance Wyatt
August 21st, 2009
10:09 pm
Now as far as job, I have two jobs right now just to survive and go to school. I am a tutor for the state of Georgia program tutoring low income students in a number of counties around Atlanta. I am also doing social media consulting for a real estate firm in Atlanta. As a undergraduate, I attended Kettering University……Kettering aside from being one of the most prominent engineering schools in the nation also has the premiere co-op program in the nation. This means that I worked all four years there rotating 11 weeks of school with 12 weeks of work with major corporations the entire four years. This was the only way I was able to pay for college, through my own sweat and determination. Clark Atlanta University does not have a co-op program. I have done the best I can to not only pay for education but to just “survive” in Atlanta on my own.
Terrance Wyatt
August 21st, 2009
10:12 pm
Please, I ask you, don’t assume anything about anyone unless you are willing to get to know that person and their story. People my entire life have assumed that because of the circumstances I was brought up in and who I was I related to, that I wouldn’t make it where I am today, 9 months away from receiving my masters degree. I wrote that ad not as a cry for help or money but to really just bring attention and inspiration to the hard working young people such as myself with humble beginnings whose tremendous stories seem to go unnoticed. No matter if anyone doesn’t give me a dime, I am going to make it because God is on my side and he will not let me fail. I am determined to succeed at all costs and I am dedicated helping others out just like myself who are struggling to change their hand dealt in life.
Again, thank you for your comments and God bless you all. You can reach me by e-mail at terrance.wyatt@gmail.com or my cell phone 313-550-3966.
John
August 22nd, 2009
10:59 am
I read a few topics. I respect your work and added blog to favorites.
Bob Perrow
August 22nd, 2009
12:46 pm
One gutsy move, Terrance, in putting your email addy and phone # on the web. Please don’t put mine out there, ok?
bp
mdowney
August 22nd, 2009
1:52 pm
Terrance, Thanks for addressing the comments directly. Please keep us posted. I do have some folks who e-mailed me directly and I will send their messages to you.
Maureen
MBA Grad
August 22nd, 2009
5:16 pm
Terrance,
You may have some people fooled, but not me.
Yes, you do have every reason to be ashamed of your photos on Facebook.
You have photos depicted you drinking and partying, posing with money and “bling”, and using profanity to caption pics. Oh, I almost forgot the poses with gang symbols. If you believe that emulating thug behavior is what most corporations want in a prospective MBA, not to mention for someone who might be interested in investing money in your future, you are a seriously deluded young man.
Terrance, I challenge you to go to a job interview with Price Waterhouse Cooper or IBM with your “grill”, your “bling”, and a bottle of gin in your hand, and see how far you get.
Also, someone who thinks it’s OK to use a drug addict, murderer, and embezzeler as the image in their profile pic seems to me to have serious issues of character. Surely there are better role models for a young black professional than Huey Newton?
How about Robert L. Johnson—ever heard of him?
Sorry, kid, I still wouldn’t give you a cent. Perhaps with time you’ll wise up and realize that your reputation and image are EXTREMELY important in the working world.
Good luck.
Terrance Wyatt
August 22nd, 2009
7:30 pm
Dear MBA grad,
Your response is comical at best. Your definitely entitled to your opinion. However, you should feel ashamed at your stereotype filled responses. Gang signs ? What gang am I in sir, if your expert on gang signals. Secondly, in response to my so called “bling.” It is perfectly fine for you not like my attire, I’m positive there are things in your wardrobe that I would point & laugh at you for wearing, however I would never try to make a sweeping accusation about you because of what your wearing. Unfortunately, a lot of people make that mistake, but I’m just the type of person who likes read more than just the cover a book.
Secondly, I’m not trying to convince people who are hell bent on being negative. Negative people such as yourself unfortunately exist everywhere in this world, but instead of feeding into your negativity I do my best each day to ignore people such as yourself and keep positive and surround myself with the like. I would not take a dime from you even if you threw it at me because its clear you are a negative person and I don’t need that type of energy in my life.
Thirdly, I kindly thank you for your response. You are now just more motivation for me to continue to succeed. You are not the first, nor will you be the last to try to knock me down. I just enjoy proving people such as yourself wrong at every instance I can get.
MBA Grad
August 22nd, 2009
10:50 pm
Terrance,
I sincerely hope you do succeed. But you have some growing up to do first.
My feelings about the way you present yourself have nothing to do with being negative, nor are they “comical”. I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt when I first read this article, but you showed your true colors when we readers noticed your Facebook page.
And you still don’t get it.
You will NEVER succeed at business, at least in an enterprise that values the hard work and dedication needed to achieve an MBA, if you cannot keep your personal life just that, personal. When you expose your warts (and yes, everyone does have them–myself included) to the whole world on a public forum, it displays immaturity and a lack of discretion, as well as character flaws that indicate you may not be the right man to run a business.
You see, Terrance, an MBA is not just a gateway to an entry-level career. It is a degree designed for leaders of industry, the decision-makers who run our economy. You may not want the world to judge your book by its cover, but unfortunately, that’s life. You could be the nicest, most hardworking and respectable guy around, but your public profile says otherwise.
I called two of my friends this afternoon who are hiring managers with Fortune 500 firms. I saved some of your “best” pics so that they could give me an opinion. Both of my friends said if they were aware that those pics were public when they interviewed you, you’d be out the door. You would be very surprised at how many hiring managers today look up candidates on social networking sites as part of a pre-employment check! And please don’t imply it’s a race thing, as one of these friends is black as well, and I can safely say I’ve never seen him wear “bling” jewelry, a “grill”, or flash gang signs. He does, however, make low six-figures per year and lives in a 2 million dollar home in Alpharetta.
Best of luck. Perhaps if you turn down the emotion and listen, you’ll get somewhere in life.
Terrance Wyatt
August 23rd, 2009
12:44 pm
As, I mentioned earlier people who are hell bent on being negative, will continue to be that way no matter what you say or do, MBA grad you just reinforced that theory. So with that being said, I will now do what I said I do to people such as yourself and that’s simply ignore you. Finally, all your responses up to this point have been “comical” because I”m laughing at you and your failure to have read and understand anything I have wrote thus far. However, I do thank again sir you for being more motivation for me to wake up tomorrow and continue to make my dreams a reality. On that note, sir good day & God bless you.
MBA Grad
August 23rd, 2009
8:09 pm
Terrance, I understand you perfectly.
I’m really not trying to be negative. Rather, I’m telling you this is how the real world works. If you want to play-act like you’re a thug in your free time, that is indeed your right. I was a kid once too.
But don’t go put photos of your indiscretions on the internet where potential employers can see it. Especially when you’re trying to convince the world to help pay for your MBA. Regardless of what you want to believe, image and character (or at least the perception of it) are very important if you want to succeed in business.
If you don’t want to listen to someone older and more experienced, fine by me. The world needs ditch diggers, too.
Atlanta MBA Student
August 23rd, 2009
8:31 pm
Unfortunately, Terrance, I agree with MBA Grad. When a company makes a hiring decision, they are judging you as a potential representative of their company. Whether you like it or not, in the business world your outward appearance IS important. Your Facebook profile is a reflection of YOU. Potential employers and potential Investors don’t care that you’re young and you like to express yourself a certain way via a public photo collection. From one MBA student to another, PLEASE don’t be so quick to lash out at people who are only trying to help you out. If several people have commented negatively on your Facebook and Twitter, then obviously some changes need to be made. I admire you for the courage it takes to put yourself out in the public eye and ask for money. However, when you do so you are inviting the world to judge whether you would be a good investment. A smart businessperson always performs due diligence to determine a good investment from a bad one. Like another poster mentioned, your “prospectus” is lacking. You say, “don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” However, we, the public, don’t have a book to read. We dont know you and probably never will. All we have is the summary that you’ve presented to us, your Facebook page, and your written responses. We must make judgements based on what we’re given. That’s how life works. That’s how business works.
In addition, your comments and responses lack humility and tact. A business person NEVER results to insults in a public forum, especially when asking for money. It does not reflect positively on your character. In addition, proof reading is critical. As a gentleman who aspires to attain a master’s degree, your comments are expected to be grammatically correct.
I happen to know that Clark Atlanta University has been a quality producer of minority MBAs for many years. Before you make any more biting comments, please consider carefully how they will reflect on you and your institution. We all can improve. I am simply providing friendly advice, which you may choose to heed or disregard. No response is necessary. I sincerely wish you luck on your future endeavors. God bless you.
Ms. C. Cryn Johannsen
August 23rd, 2009
10:24 pm
I am intrigued by this man’s strategy. However, this story illustrates the reason why we MUST reform and restructure the student lending system. The DOE has the power to change things NOW.
My blog: http://alleducationmatters.blogspot.com/
Steven T
August 24th, 2009
11:04 am
Look if this guy did made sure his facebook and myspace was private without any pictures that can cause negatively then what would everyone of you say ? His idea in marketing himself is brilliant, keep up the good work however when people do see pictures like that they will have a negative opinion against you. This is how the world is. You must cover all tracks..
MBA Grad
August 24th, 2009
12:38 pm
Steven,
If his profile was private, I’d have said nothing, because all I would have known about Terrance was what I read here.
The issue isn’t what he does in his free time. Rather, the issue is that anybody who hasn’t the sense to keep his personal nonsense private and shielded from the eyes of the world isn’t going to be a highly desirable commodity as a leader in the business community, and certainly isn’t going to easily attract investors in his future.
It’s about how you make decisions and the discretion you use in your life. Terrance has shown he is deficient in this, and his responses on this blog confirm that.
Here’s what he should do instead of whining about “judging books by their cover”:
1. Remove the Huey P Newton photo off his FB profile page and replace it with the professional-looking pic of himself from the front page of this blog.
2. Make all his FB info private and only available to friends that he approves.
And the last bit of advice?
3. DON’T MAKE POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS! Yes this does happen, believe it or not. That’s what Linkedin was created for. Use that for professional purposes, and use FB to post your bling-bling gangsta-wannabe spring break photos.
MBA Grad
August 24th, 2009
12:44 pm
And just to clarify, in case my previous post is misread, you should ONLY use FB to post your silly photos if you keep your profile and info private. If you’re going to keep it public so that every Tom, Dick and Harry can read it, it might be prudent to just post the G-rated stuff.
Ausra
August 24th, 2009
1:13 pm
3.00 GPA does not seem promising at all. I am an MBA student and my shool would not even keep me in program if my GPA falls so low. But I respect him for his ingenuity and enthusiasm. If I had spare 10K, I would just give them to him withough expecting a return. If he would really turn out to be an extraordinary businessman, I believe he would repay. Otherwise, I would not like to ask a return from him…