Malcolm Jenkins

Philly Graduation Class 2020

 “I consider Philadelphia my home, and there isn’t a city in the world that understands and embodies grit, determination and perseverance like Philly.”

“In fact, there was a time that I quit playing in middle school. But I had a coach who convinced me to come back, and others who pushed me to work harder, become better as a person, not just on the football field. “

“We were able to get through it because we learned from our mistakes, the youth of America were resilient and sought NEW ways to do things differently and were successful in creating new innovative ways to solve our problems in society.”

“I’m not just a football player.  I’m an entrepreneur.  I’m an activist. I’m a philanthropist. I’m the owner of a fashion line that makes custom clothing for men and women.  I’m a writer.  I’m a filmmaker. I refuse to be labeled as one thing.”

“I want you to know that there are life skills and desirable skills that you CAN learn and master that are invaluable to employers and will help you adapt more easily when you open the door (or that door opens for you to a new exciting opportunity).”

“Things like learning how to adapt, be flexible in times of change, critical thinking and problem solving and employer-specific skills like coding, graphic design, digital advertising, and so much more.“

“You might want to pursue a career in engineering or in entertainment.”  

“I like fashion, but I’m not a fashion designer.  I’ve learned so much about fabric, and what it takes to make clothes, everything from manufacturing to creative design to sales.”

“But the companies and individuals who rose above to learn and embrace digital communication like Zoom, LinkedIn, and Microsoft for example are both adapting as well as offering you the ability to adapt to this new way of communicating and learning.”