April 23, 2016 | 1208 Washington Place | Columbia, SC | 9pm-2am

Interview by Tiana McGee of A.Bevy at Winthrop University

Aaron J. Greene believes helping others grow as individuals, helps him grow. As an Orangeburg, SC native attending The University of South Carolina, he believes we should not ascend in life by ourselves but should be committed to helping each other. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Aaron states that we all have a purpose to fill that was destined to us before our birth. One should always think about those that were never afforded the opportunities that they currently have. Never sell out, never sell yourself short, and most importantly, never be afraid to make the dream in you head a reality. Your uniqueness is valuable. If Greene could impress anything onto this world it would be integrity. Integrity is centered around honesty. Once you find the truth it is your duty to stick to it and never fade from it no matter the circumstances.

What do you believe is the most "impressive" and memorable trait, talent, or value that you possess and why?

"I believe it to be my focus of growing while helping others grow. I believe that we should not ascend in life by ourselves but should be committed to helping each other. Where does this value come from? It originated when I read a passage from a Great Book by the Teacher, saying "love your neighbor as yourself." At the end of my life the awards, net worth, or accomplishments will not be considered value in my eyes but the seeds that I sow into others lives will be my silver and gold."

Why do you think it is important for young adults to be "authentic" and true to themselves in today's society?

"Authenticity is so important because I believe that we all have a purpose to fulfill that was destined before our birth. An individual purpose with a communal benefit. One should always think about those that were never afforded the opportunities that they currently have and those that will positively benefit from the value bestowed throughout one fulfilling his or her mission. Never sell out, never sell yourself short, and most importantly never be afraid to make the dream in your head a reality. Your uniqueness is valuable as it enhances your world, my world, and our world."

If you could impress upon, give, or leave anything to this world, what would it be?

"I would have to say being an example of one that upholds integrity. Integrity is a word centered on honesty. Once you find or have been exposed to the truth it is ones duty to stick to it and never fade from it no matter the circumstances. Whatever I do in life integrity has to be a vital part that leads my decisions and actions. I want be remembered as one that stood for justice, decency, and honesty. Being memorialized as such gives a valuable gift to the world that can never be taken away and will inspire generations to come. I hope to leave scholarships, books, but most importantly I want to leave a life of dedication."