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In this episode, we talk with Beat the Streets Alumn Davian Waite. After wrestling for just two years in high school, Davian made the transition to college wrestling at Thaddeus Stevens School of Technology where he is studying HVAC.
Davian shares his journey from Jamaica to Philadelphia where he attended George Washington High School. His story is an inspiration to anyone wanting to learn more about the impact of the Beat the Streets community.
Davian recently spoke at the BTSP Gala, here is a transcript of his speech:
Good evening everyone,
My name is Davian Waite, and it’s a privilege to stand before you today as someone who has benefited tremendously from the support and opportunities that helped shape my future.
When I first got involved in wrestling, I was at a pretty low point. My grades were slipping, I wasn’t in good shape. I was stuck in the house, due to Covid-19 with not much to do. Just going day by day without a purpose. Then I wanted to make a change, That's when I was introduced to wrestling by my former football Coach Larry Arata who saw something in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself. That thing was potential.
At the time, I was 270 pounds and out of shape. But with the encouragement of Coach Arata, I decided to give wrestling a try. I quickly learned that the sport was more than just physical. It gave me a reason to push myself, to show up every day, and to commit to improving my health and mindset. I lost over 70 pounds, but more importantly, I gained discipline, focus, and a sense of purpose that carried me through some of the most challenging times in my life.
The real game changer for me was the support system I found at BTSP. Mentors from Upenn and Drexel University didn’t just help me improve as a wrestler; they showed me how to be a better student and a better person. Whether it was academic guidance, nutritional advice, or simply being there when I needed someone to talk to, they were instrumental in my growth.
I put in the work
I made the choice to turn things around.
With that support and my own determination, I managed to improve my grades and get accepted into Thaddeus Stevens College, where I’m now pursuing a degree in HVAC while continuing to compete as a college athlete. This past summer, I even landed an internship with tonight's event sponsor Post Brothers. I was able to gain hands-on experience in the HVAC field. That opportunity was a direct result of the relationships I built and the hard work I invested in myself.
Looking back, I realize that wrestling and the mentorship I received didn’t just change my path—they saved it. The confidence I’ve developed, the life skills I’ve learned, and the community that stood by me helped me to overcome the obstacles in my way. But ultimately, I had to make the choice to succeed, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
I’ll always be grateful to the people and the programs that gave me the tools to succeed. But I also take pride in the fact that I took ownership of my journey. I faced the challenges head-on, put in the effort, and worked hard to create a better future for myself. Now, as I work towards a fulfilling career in HVAC, I’m excited about what’s ahead—and I know that if I continue with the same mindset and work ethic, I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
Thank you all for being here today. I hope my story encourages you to recognize the power of mentorship, community, and personal commitment. Together, we can make sure that more young people get the support they need to reach their full potential.
Thank you.
