From Gun Hill Road to Global Impact: The Journey of Chryston Cleare

When Chryston Cleare steps into a room, his presence commands attention—not with flamboyance, but with a quiet confidence rooted in authenticity and purpose. Born and raised on Gun Hill Road in the Bronx, Christian’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and a relentless pursuit to uplift others.

A Foundation Built in the Bronx

Chryston’s journey began in a household rich with Bahamian culture, thanks to his family’s Caribbean roots. “Growing up, our home was filled with the sounds, flavors, and traditions of the Bahamas,” he recalls. This blend of Caribbean heritage and Bronx upbringing gave Chryston a unique perspective on community and identity.

When it came time to choose a middle school, Eagle Academy in the Bronx stood out. Not just because it was new or had elevators—which was crucial due to his muscle weakness in his legs—but because it promised a brotherhood. “I was hooked on the idea of wrestling and the school’s accessibility,” Chryston says. Despite the whispers and immature notions about attending an all-boys school, he was undeterred. “At the end of the day, nobody can tell you about your identity but yourself.”

Mentors Who Mattered

At Eagle Academy, Chryston found more than just an education; he found mentors who would leave an indelible mark on his life. Coach Brown, one of the basketball coaches, taught him about the importance of authenticity. “He showed me that as long as you have the right work ethic and relationships, you can be yourself,” Chryston reflects. “He helped me navigate the complexities of code-switching and staying true to who I am.”

Then there was Mr. Roman, a staff member who introduced him to jiu-jitsu and the art of self-regulation. “He was like a monk—calm and peaceful,” Chryston remembers fondly. “In a chaotic environment filled with young boys full of energy, he gave me the tools to decompress and find my center.”

The Road Less Traveled

Chryston’s academic journey wasn’t without its detours. Concerned about safety and seeking greater challenges, his mother transferred him to Archbishop Stepinac High School in Westchester. But the change didn’t sit well with him. “It was a culture shock. The community wasn’t as close-knit as Eagle,” he explains. By January of ninth grade, he was back at Eagle Academy, reaffirming his belief in the school’s mission and community.

“Eagle took it upon themselves to expose us to different opportunities,” he says. Programs like Fordham STEP and internships at Mount Sinai came his way because of Eagle’s commitment to student success. “They were always big on making us globally conscious and competitive.”

Breaking Barriers at UVA

Chryston’s ambition led him to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville—a decision influenced partly by a friend’s college list and the school’s strong reputation. Receiving a full scholarship, he entered a world vastly different from the Bronx. The racial tensions in Charlottesville, highlighted by the infamous KKK rally, were palpable. “It’s a place with so much racial tension and political conflict,” he notes.

At UVA, Chryston majored in Youth and Social Innovation and minored in Sociology, focusing on policy and counseling. “I always knew I wanted to do counseling in some fashion,” he says. His graduate program in Counselor Education made him one of only two Black men in his class. “The counseling field lacks diversity, especially Black men. But I was confident—I knew they needed people like me.”

A Vision for Community Upliftment

Now a certified school counselor, Chryston is setting his sights on clinical counseling and possibly establishing his own private practice. But his ambitions don’t stop there. He envisions creating a resource center for those who, as he puts it, “get lost in the middle.”

“There are so many people who graduate high school but don’t go straight to college or struggle to find jobs,” he explains. “They don’t have resources or someone to vouch for them. I want to change that.”

Chryston emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are, a lesson he appreciates from Eagle Academy’s approach. “It’s about providing support that’s accessible. If you’re not meeting people where they’re at, they can’t reach the support.”

Bridging Gaps and Building Bridges

Reflecting on his journey, Chryston acknowledges the challenges of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, especially when interacting with diverse groups. “We need more opportunities to interact with people who don’t look like us,” he says. “It’s one thing to acknowledge someone; it’s another to engage with them confidently.”

His experience at UVA reinforced this belief. Navigating a predominantly white institution taught him the importance of cultural competence and the courage to assert his place. “I was aware of where I was and used that to my advantage.”

A Message to the Next Generation

Chryston’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and self-belief. His advice to young people navigating similar paths is clear: “Take advantage of every opportunity, even if it’s unpaid. Build relationships, seek out resources, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.”

As he continues his journey, Chryston remains grounded in his roots while reaching for global impact. “I want to help others find their way, just as mentors helped me,” he says. “It’s about lifting as we climb.”

Closing Thoughts

From the classrooms at Eagle Academy to the halls of UVA, Chryston embodies the spirit of resilience and the transformative power of education. His commitment to uplifting others and bridging communities serves as an inspiration—a reminder that where you start doesn’t have to dictate where you go.

As he prepares to open doors for others, Chryston stands as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. In his own words, “At the end of the day, it’s about being authentic and helping others do the same.”