The Breakroom

     If you’re on this site it’s either because you like online games or videos. If you a music fanatic like I am you’ve probably heard of the Black Eyed Peas and Will.i.am.

William James Adams, Jr was born March 15, 1975 in Los Angeles, CA and was raised by his mother who made him the man he is today by supporting his interest in music and encouraging him to be an individual and to think for himself instead of bending to peer pressure and conforming to the actions of those around him.

At age 16 Will began his career as a rapper under the name of Will-1x. He performed with many artists before becoming an integral member of the Black Eyed Peas. He also attended school at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and designed his own clothing line. He has designed a denim collection of i.am clothing that debuted at Project Las Vegas in 2009 and designs clothing for the Black Eyed Peas.

This is all impressive as resumes go, but why am I telling you what you would be able to find out just by doing a quick Google search? Well, as you guessed, that’s not the entire story.

You could never tell by his performances, but Will.i.am is surprisingly very quiet, extremely generous and shy. When he made an appearance on his friend Oprah Winfrey’s talk show he barely spoke and looked a bit embarrassed as she extolled his virtues.

He started the i.amhome fund because he said that having a home was central to his own personal dreams. He said that, “Growing up I dreamt that one day I’d be able to buy my mom a house and take care of my family. I realized that dream and experienced the positive effect giving back had on my family. Now I am compelled to help others who are in jeopardy of losing their homes and inspire others to join the movement.”

Will.i.am also has an i.am scholarship program that provides financial assistance to future leaders and innovators in Film and Television, Journalism, Computer Sciences and New Media. It provides financing for the entirety of their post secondary education and opportunities at DipDive.com when they complete their studies.

On his blog, Will.i.am wrote “What is Homeland Security when the youth cannot afford education to secure a future?” He went on to add, “I want to change what Homeland Security means…and…I don’t want to write a song about it…I want to act on it…and put my money where my mouth is.”

These words should inspire us all to help others. It’s one thing to talk about the problems with society, but it’s another to use your own money to make a difference.

If you would like more information or would like to make a donation, please visit his website at http://iamscholarship.dipdive.com/