Dequawn Brown's talk is about the perception of success. Challenging the status quo is the only way to step into the future. Questioning constantly and proposing alternative solutions to existing problems and asking why along the way provides insight into the unknown and protection against ignorance. As a student, soccer player and programmer, Brown navigates the difficult subject of addressing one’s environment and its influence on the trajectory of one’s life and work. Dequawn Brown has a passion for programming, team sports and debate and has found himself great success in these areas locally and nationally. Dequawn Brown is a STEM instructor and course manager at Black Boys Code Academy, an academy focused on breaking down the barriers into programming for especially, but not only, black youth. Brown takes great pride in his leadership and interaction with youth across the world as the CTO of Marketyze and captain of the u17 Albertan Provincial Champion soccer team. Although, like most of the world, he calls it football. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx