The Power of Brotherhood: Latrelle Linder’s Journey from Eagle Academy to Empowering Others

In the heart of the Bronx, where resilience is woven into the very fabric of daily life, Latrelle Linder discovered his purpose through brotherhood, community, and unwavering determination. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood with three siblings, Latrelle’s early years were marked by uncertainty and challenges. “I didn’t really know much about my circumstances back then,” he reflects. “But when I got to Eagle Academy, that’s when I started to become more aware of the world around me.”

A New Beginning at Eagle Academy

Entering sixth grade, Latrelle joined Eagle Academy Bronx as part of its inaugural middle school cohort. For a young boy navigating an all-boys school for the first time, the transition was both daunting and transformative. “At first, I wasn’t sure about it,” Latrelle admits. “My mom and I learned about Eagle from my cousin, who was already a student there. We attended the open house, and my mom saw the potential in what the school offered. I didn’t pay much attention back then, but she had an open ear to their vision.”

The initial months at Eagle were a period of adjustment, where Latrelle acclimated to the structured environment that Eagle provided. It wasn’t until his seventh and eighth-grade years that he truly began to understand the profound impact of the school’s culture. “At first, I was just going through the motions,” he confides. “But by eighth grade, I realized that Eagle was a platform that could propel me forward. I was exposed to opportunities I hadn’t even imagined.”

Discovering Potential Through Achievement

Latrelle’s pivotal moment arrived when he earned the chance to take his Regents exams early—a testament to his hard work and dedication. “It was a moment where I felt recognized for my efforts,” he recalls. “That’s when I started to understand that I could achieve any opportunity I set my mind to, as long as I put in the effort.”

As a member of Clemente House, Latrelle embraced the motto, “I am my brother’s keeper.” This guiding principle became the cornerstone of his life. “Being part of Clemente House was about looking out for each other, and that stayed with me,” he shares. “It’s fascinating how the house’s ethos aligned with the path I eventually chose—counseling. Throughout my life, I’ve always tried to support others, whether it was my actual brothers at home, my Eagle brothers, or even my friends in college.”

Brotherhood Beyond High School

Graduating from Eagle Academy in 2018 marked the beginning of a new chapter, but the spirit of brotherhood remained a constant companion. Latrelle earned a full scholarship to the University of Virginia (UVA), where he continued to build meaningful connections. One of his closest friends from Eagle accompanied him through college, and together they pursued their master’s degrees. “That’s the epitome of ‘I am my brother’s keeper,’” Latrelle reflects. “We went through a lot together, but we always had each other’s backs.”

At UVA, Latrelle flourished, immersing himself in organizations like Crave—a fashion collective that organizes shows to support the Boys & Girls Club—and SOCA (Students of Caribbean Awareness), where he served as both event coordinator and vice president. “Black UVA was really important to me,” Latrelle explains. “Even though UVA is a predominantly white institution, the Black community there was strong, and my network grew tremendously.”

Overcoming Challenges with Resilience

Despite his achievements, Latrelle’s journey was not without its hurdles. His first year at UVA was particularly challenging. “It didn’t go as planned,” he admits. “I wasn’t fully prepared for the college experience. Coming from Eagle, I had confidence and leadership skills, but at UVA, I struggled with asking for help. Growing up in New York, especially at Eagle, fosters a go-getter mentality. You feel like you have to be hyper-independent. But in college, I realized that building a network and seeking support was essential.”

During these trying times, Latrelle leaned on the principles he learned at Eagle Academy. “The acronym CLEAR—Confidence, Leadership, Effort, Academic Excellence, and Resilience—stayed with me throughout my college years,” he says. “Whenever I faced challenges, I knew I could overcome them because Eagle instilled those values in me. Even in the darkest moments, I knew who I was, and that confidence helped me push through.”

A Calling to Counsel

After earning his undergraduate degree, Latrelle pursued a master’s in counseling, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives. “I’ve always been observant, someone who notices the small things,” he explains. “Growing up in the Bronx, you had to be. But I started to ask myself after graduation, ‘Do I just want to work and make money, or do I want to create an impact?’ Counseling was the path where I felt I could do the most good.”

Latrelle is particularly passionate about mental health, especially for Black men—a topic that was seldom discussed during his time at Eagle. “When we were at Eagle, mental health wasn’t something we talked about much,” he recalls. “But over time, it’s become more important, particularly for Black men who often don’t have spaces to process their feelings. I want to be the person people can talk to, someone who listens, affirms, and helps them navigate life’s challenges.”

Looking Forward: Giving Back to His Roots

With a master’s degree in hand, Latrelle is poised to embark on the next phase of his journey. He plans to return to Pennsylvania to begin his counseling career, but his heart remains in New York. “I’d love to go back to New York eventually,” he says. “It’s the city that made me who I am, and giving back to the community that shaped me would be a full-circle moment.”

A Legacy of Confidence and Leadership

Reflecting on his journey from a quiet sixth grader at Eagle Academy to a leader in counseling, Latrelle is deeply grateful for the experiences and the brotherhood that guided him. “Eagle gave me confidence, leadership skills, and resilience. It taught me to believe in myself, even when things got tough. That’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Latrelle Linder’s story is a testament to the transformative power of community and the enduring bonds of brotherhood. From the streets of the Bronx to the halls of UVA, his journey embodies the spirit of perseverance and the profound impact of supportive relationships. As he steps into his role as a counselor, Latrelle is not only continuing his own legacy but also paving the way for others to find their path to success and fulfillment.