By Kamrin Cain, Class of 2026
This article is a part of a series of student stories of growth curated for the 2025 One Event. If you enjoy this story, please donate and tell us which student’s story inspired you to give.
Before my first week at One Stone, I had a reputation that I wasn’t proud of. I was struggling in school and dealing with a lot of personal issues that I didn’t know how to handle. I often felt like I was messing up and making things worse, unsure of how to move forward without making even bigger mistakes. Throughout this time, I felt isolated. While I had close friends, they were focused on their own adult responsibilities—being homeowners, working full-time—and I didn’t want to burden them with my problems. I was left to tackle my dilemmas on my own, but that also meant I couldn’t rely on anyone for help. This led to trust issues and constant anxiety. I never knew if someone’s kindness was genuine or if it was a setup, so I stayed on edge, trying to protect myself from potential harm.
When I joined One Stone, I slowly started shedding that negative image of myself. I began to realize that the people at One Stone were different. They were unique, creative, and brought positive energy into everything they did. It was a community where everyone contributed their own ideas and talents, and that made me feel more confident in being myself. Being surrounded by so much creativity and support helped me put my past struggles behind me. I could feel myself growing, both as a person and as a student, and it pushed me to aim for higher goals and standards.
Before One Stone, I didn’t believe I had any real talents or skills worth pursuing. But the school helped me discover passions I never knew I had. One of the things that inspired me most was music. I’ve always loved rap, and now I have a clear goal: I want to make a name for myself in the rap industry. I want to create music that has an impact, music that people can connect with. It’s no longer just a dream, but something I am actively working toward. I know it will take time and effort, but I’m confident that I can make it happen.
In addition to music, I’ve also developed a strong interest in fashion and entrepreneurship. I’m working on launching my own clothing line called "Strife." The idea behind it is to create something unique, authentic, and meaningful—clothing that reflects the struggles we face in life and how we rise above them. I truly believe that this brand could one day be a huge deal. The business model I’ve developed is built on authenticity and creativity, and I think it could set my brand apart in a crowded market.
Slowly but surely, I’m making progress on both my music career and my clothing line, and I know that with the support of the amazing, creative individuals at One Stone, I can achieve my dreams. The community here has shown me that anything is possible if I’m willing to work hard and stay focused. I’m more confident than ever that I can make my mark, not just at One Stone, but in the world. The future is bright, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.
