How is this ‘5 Star’ Enjoying College?

Darrien Brown



At just 18 years old, Le’Taevion East is stepping into a new and exciting chapter of his life: his first year of college. A talented basketball player from Kansas City, Tae is balancing the thrill of pursuing his passion for basketball with the challenges of adjusting to life away from home for the first time. While his focus is on the court, the reality of leaving behind his family and hometown is setting in as he navigates this transition. Tae’s decision to attend college wasn’t solely based on athletics. Growing up, he was always encouraged to pursue higher education by his family, especially his mother, who stressed the importance of a college degree. “My mom has always said, ‘Basketball won’t last forever, but your education will,’” Tae shared. It’s advice that has stayed with him as he adjusts to the demands of both college coursework and a tough basketball schedule. However, being away from home is proving to be a new emotional challenge for Tae, but nothing he can’t handle. He comes from a tight-knit family, and leaving them behind has been tougher than he expected. “I miss my mom a lot more than I thought,” Tae admitted. “It’s weird not having her around as much, not waking up to her cooking or seeing my little brother before school. I talk to them every day, but it’s not the same as being there.” Homesickness is common for many first-year college students, and Tae is no exception. While he’s excited about his new journey, there’s a part of him that misses the comfort and familiarity of home, but he has goals to accomplish. College life, though thrilling, has forced Tae to grow up quickly. Between team practices, meetings, and traveling for games, he’s learning how to manage his time and become more independent. The pressure is intense—he’s now competing with players who have already spent years honing their skills at the college level. But Tae is determined to prove that he belongs here. “I know I have to work twice as hard to make my mark, both in class and on the court,” Tae said. “This is a new beginning, and I’m ready to put in the effort.” Tae is optimistic about his future. He’s leaning on his teammates for support and finding comfort in the camaraderie they share. His coach speaks highly of his resilience and leadership skills, and his family at home continues to cheer him on. Although it’s a big adjustment, Tae’s first steps into college life mark the beginning of a journey that’s bound to shape his future in ways beyond just basketball.


(Le’Taevion East the ‘5 Star’ himself taking a photo inside of his barbershop in June! Photo Credits: Instagram)


(Tae going up for a dunk with his old AAU team in Atlanta of the 2022 summer. Photo Credits: Instagram)

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