Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrian Mompoint.
Hi Adrian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
First thing I’d like to say is thank you for having me again and allowing me to tell my story on a deeper level for the readers on how I became who I am today.
I was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts which is considered the cultural capital of central Massachusetts and the second most populous city in New England. When people would ask me where I’m from I used to say Boston because it sounded “cool”, and I felt no one has ever heard of Worcester. Now that I’m older I am proud to be from ‘The Heart of the Commonwealth’ and will tell anyone who asks.
I have always been a big kid since my elementary school days. Teachers and friends of my parents always said, “that’s a football player right there”. I’ve always been active since I was 5 years old. Soccer and basketball were the first sports I played. I was 8 years old when I got the chance to play pop warner youth football. I was so excited to try a new sport, and I remember going to this facility to sign up and seeing the other kids trying on equipment and jerseys. Unfortunately, I was turned down to play with my age group because I was too overweight. They said I could play with the 12- and 13-year-olds, but my parents did not allow it because they thought I would get seriously hurt. I was upset and cried on the way home, but I know my parents were only looking out for me.
I finally got my chance to play football in the 7th grade at Holy Name Junior Senior Central Catholic High school, which is now known as Saint Paul’s Diocesan. My parents taught me discipline, but the game of football taught me mental toughness. There were plenty of times I didn’t feel like going to practice, but my dad always says, “finish what you started”. I played from 7th grade to my senior year of high school in which my last year as co-captain we won the school’s first ever super bowl championship title.
I didn’t get accepted to many schools after graduating from high school. That was due to not earning the best grades. So, I took a year off from school and worked full time at a movie theater as well as being a disc jockey with my father and older brother.
I was later accepted to the 2-year school Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts. I was back to playing football and it was a chance for me to get my grades up so I could be later accepted to a division 1 school. I always felt my chances of making it to the NFL would be higher if I played at a D1 school. I felt being a professional athlete was all I was worth and making it to the highest stage of professional football would help my family. My love for the game ended after high school. I kept playing because that was all I knew.
I did not return my 2nd year at Dean College because my uncle who was considered the anchor of the family passed away unexpectedly. He was my mother’s younger brother and also a good role model for me. I enrolled at Quinsigamond Community College which is my nearest community college back home to be closer to my family as we all were going through a difficult time. I worked at the movie theater while going to school and was able to graduate with high honors with a degree in criminal justice. I realized without the distraction of playing a sport I was a great student.
After earning my associates degree, I was accepted to The University of New Haven in New Haven, Connecticut. There I was able to play football again, but it was short lived my senior year after suffering a concussion that left me partially and temporarily blind. While at Yale hospital I had a realization it was time to “hang up the cleats”. My health was more important than the game of football. I wasn’t upset as I thought I would be not playing again. I looked at the situation as a new chapter in my life. Academically I gave my senior year everything I had and was able to obtain above a 3.0 GPA average and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Being the first person in my family to graduate from college was one of the best moments in my life.
After graduating from The University of New Haven I struggled finding a job within my degree for years. I wanted to become a state trooper, police officer or firefighter. I passed many tests but would always be put on a waiting list. I felt some force was trying to guide me into a different direction. I took a chance at acting in 2014 and I booked my first audition. I was on cloud 9 and I thought this is how it’s always going to be. I’ll be Hollywood star in no time. I was humbled pretty quickly after that, but I never gave up. I worked many background extra jobs because I wanted to be on set. I love the atmosphere, and I finally felt a sense of purpose in my life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There will always be obstacles and challenges while on your journey to success. I call it ‘riding the waves’. You’ll have ups and downs, but as long as you hang on during the storms you will make it to shore. When I feel lost I’ll ask myself “what’s my why?” and “why am I doing this?” As for me ‘my why’ is my family and friends. When I succeed they succeed as well. If you’ve had a poor support system and you’re not doing it for anyone, then do it for your younger self. Be the person you wish your younger self could look up to. You have one shot to make your mark in this world and I plan to go all out, because what else is there? I have had hundreds of film auditions that I didn’t earn the part, but I refused to be discouraged. I secretly enjoy it when I don’t earn a part that I auditioned for because I know that for every ‘no’ I receive I am closer to a ‘yes’. That mentality has done wonders for me. You can’t give up and quit. As long as you have undiminished enthusiasm you will make it. If you quit however, it will last forever. Don’t quit. Your future self will thank you.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a SAG-AFTRA stunt and film actor as well as a Wilhelmina model. I enjoy volunteer work as an outdoor community cleaner, meals on wheels driver for the elderly and grave headstone cleaner at public cemeteries. I am currently in the process of creating my own grave care business for the future.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I believe it’s important to have a good and positive support system while achieving your goals, and it’s fine to ask for help. The saying “There is no I in TEAM” is true. It helps being surrounded by people who share and understand your vision. I have been very fortunate to have great parents and friends who support and believe in me. I don’t know where I would be without them. The universe has always introduced me to the right people.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
DXL/Leonard Greco
Paramount/Good Burger 2
Angel Entertainment/Luminous