At what age should you start to chase your dreams? Many people think you should get through the college years and have some life experiences before you really know what you want. But why should your dreams have those time-stamped limitations? Today’s guest shows that you’re never too young to take steps toward accomplishing big things in chasing your dreams.
My guest today is James Mathew, my nephew! He is a rising sophomore at Harvard College, pursuing a degree in sociology and global health and health policy. He grew up in a paradoxical environment in the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale, Illinois. His identity as a first-generation Indian-American informs his politics and fuels his passion for social impact, empathy, and diversity. His most notable endeavors to date are Got Food?–a smartphone application that curbs the effects of domestic hunger, and 21 Colorful Crimson, a Harvard-based music group that advocates for a more inclusive America while pursuing professional success. James is staying with my family for the summer while he interns in DC and he is doing such amazing things at a young age that I knew I HAD to have him on the show.
Defying the stereotypes
You’ve heard the stereotypes we sometimes give to certain ethnic groups, like Indian-Americans. James grew up hearing these, too. He was a good student in math and science–like many Indian-Americans–so everyone assumed he would be a doctor. This assumption hits home to James since his mother and several other family members are also doctors. While James’ family did have expectations of his academic performance, he never felt pressured by them to fulfill a certain path in life. He actually felt more pressure from outside his family. Instead of pursuing a medical degree, James’ true passions run in the direction of music, which is also a talent that runs in his family. Music is a love that he can’t keep to himself, and he has found amazing ways to share this passion with others.
TWEET: “We’re a music group of a group of friends.” @the21CC #chasingdreams
Capitalizing on diversion
What comes to mind when you hear the word diversity? Unfortunately, the word has a negative connotation in society today, but it shouldn’t! James is a member of the unique Class of 2021 at Harvard, the first to NOT have a clear racial majority. James wanted to capitalize on the diverse environment of his class and formed the group, 21 Colorful Crimson, out of a desire to share his passion for music. The 21 stands for their class name AND the fact that there are 21 members. The word Colorful highlights the different backgrounds and narratives of the members, who come together around the music they all love. Crimson is the mascot of Harvard. James and his fellow group members overlook and reject the divisions that society would put on them and they are all passionate about what the group stands for and the music they create.
TWEET: “We look for collaboration in its most sincere form.” @the21CC #chasingdreams
A healthy arrangement
What can a few college students accomplish in only six months? Ask James and his fellow group members! The group began only six months ago as an idea that took shape over winter break. It took time to form the group and gather the members they needed. The group, 21 Colorful Crimson, is made up of rappers, producers, singers, artists, and more. Many of them perform individually on the side as well as in the group. They use any individual attention to shine back on the group, which has proved to be a healthy arrangement. They hope to stay together for the duration of their college career, so the possibilities are endless! They are learning as they work together, how to hear each other’s voices and opinions to better inform a collective perspective. Check out the resources below to listen to their first single, How You Gonna Hate.
TWEET: “The more we work together, the more we actually hear each other’s voices.” @the21CC #chasingdreams
Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take–”Expect people to not believe you at first. They aren’t necessarily going to buy in at first because it’s never been done before. What makes a dream is that it’s not easily attainable. You have to take risks and challenge yourself.”
OUTLINE OF THE EPISODE:
- [:23] Defying stereotypes
- [6:59] What James really wants–to help people
- [8:59] Being open to different areas of service
- [10:34] The meaning of the name–21 Colorful Crimson
- [14:37] Keeping the love for music alive while balancing studies
- [17:43] The beginnings of 21 Colorful Crimson
- [22:29] How people believed in his dream
- [27:59] Building each other’s dreams
- [30:14] The future of the group
- [31:00] Their varied backgrounds and overriding friendship
- [35:23] The 21CC vision for the future
- [39:55] ONE action for a dream chaser
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
21 Colorful Crimson Website
21 Colorful Crimson on Facebook
21 Colorful Crimson on Twitter
James Matthew on Instagram
21 Colorful Crimson on Go Fund Me
21 Colorful Crimson on Patreon
21 Colorful Crimson on Spotify
21 Colorful Crimson on Apple Music
TWEETS YOU CAN USE:
TWEET: I don’t want to limit myself to one area of service, because I think there are multiple spaces in which to help people. @the21CC #chasingdreams
TWEET: Long-term, I’d like to commit to a life of public service. @the21CC #chasingdreams
TWEET: Helping people is a driving force and a calling on my life. @the21CC #chasingdreams
