MJ Smith is the Executive Director of The Chosen Generation. He is 20 years old, and was born and raised in Coraopolis, Pa. MJ attended and graduated from Cornell High School, Class of 2022, and now is entering his Junior year of college at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Early Childhood and Special Education.
On top of TCG, MJ balances many things. MJ turned and went back to his stomping grounds at Cornell, as he works as an instructional aide/building sub in the elementary. The kids in the building have grown to respect, and love him, as he has different bonds with each student. Inside the building, MJ also coaches Cornell Middle School boys basketball with his dad, coaches Cornell 6u baseball, helps with Cornell High School and Elementary basketball, leads the choir at his church (Mt. Olive Baptist Church), is apart of “Voices United Community Choir,” and is an active member of the community!
“There are many reasons why I started TCG. One of the main reasons is that I began to see lots of things I didn’t like going on with half of the young men in my community. There were issues such as stealing, vandalism, and more. I also saw the other half: who make good decisions, who are kind, and who are passionate about the things they love. I wanted to create a group where we as the men of the future can learn how to make the world, starting with our community, a better place. Common mentor groups drive kids away as they feel judged, and are only learning things through books. We as a group learn through hands-on experiences, and we get to do it all together and in a fun way. When Olivia reached out to me, stating that she wanted the girls to have a similar opportunity, I was super on board. Now, as TCG is a boys and girls mentorship group, we are positive that the world will be in great hands!”
“My favorite thing about The Chosen Generation is putting a smile on all of the kids faces. Their happiness brings joy to my heart, as all their worries, fears, and issues can be set aside for them to work on themselves.”
