Today we’d like to introduce you to Arthur Dickson.
Hi Arthur, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Portland, Oregon, and I’ve only been in Texas for about five months now. My story is complex, shaped by the various places I’ve lived and the journey that led me here. Growing up as the youngest of six siblings, I learned a lot from their experiences—both the positive and negative aspects that impacted their lives. They taught me how to seize life and embrace it fully.
As a child, I was outspoken and had a strong sense of identity, although that changed as I got older. I grew up in a sports-oriented household, which became a central part of my identity, but also a platform for me to compete for what I wanted. Throughout my early childhood, I engaged in both sports and the arts and generally got along with everyone.
While education was never my strong suit, I have a deep love for it, which sometimes seemed contradictory. In high school, I wasn’t the type to win awards or gain significant recognition, but I did a lot of small things that helped me stand out just enough. I take pride in being a connector who helps others succeed. I do this by being a support system, a backbone, and an amplifier for those around me. I believe that these traits allow me to make a more meaningful impact than simply being in the spotlight.
After high school, I initially didn’t want to go to college because I wasn’t interested in the schools available to me, which left me feeling stuck. I worked for about three months before deciding that college was a better option. I started running track and competed at a community college for two years, where I earned an associate’s degree in communications. I left that school filled with excitement and determination to keep running.
I then moved to Kentucky to continue my athletic pursuits, but an injury forced me to reevaluate my path. This led me back home, where I transferred my credits to the University of Oregon. That period was pivotal for me; I began to recognize my strengths and self-worth. At Oregon, I had the opportunity to create a program for African American students, staff, and faculty. This initiative opened many doors for me and resulted in unexpected recognition, which significantly changed the trajectory of my career.
While I continued to pursue track opportunities, I ultimately had to prioritize school and put athletics aside. After graduating, I returned to Portland for a few years and began a life that truly shaped who I am today. I’ve engaged in various roles at work and have found myself in a great position to create opportunities for myself and others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road in life is ever smooth; we all experience ups and downs. My journey began at a young age with the passing of my father, which significantly impacted many milestones in my life. After his death, life became very challenging for my six siblings and our single mother. Many aspects of our daily routine turned into struggles, and we had to rely on the little things that often became necessities. Growing up without money was a huge challenge; it deprived us of many opportunities but also pushed us to become self-sufficient.
Throughout my life, I have dealt with loss, including my grandmother’s passing, but I have also experienced joy, such as the birth of my niece. These challenges compounded as I navigated the balance between positive and negative experiences. As a child, I took on the responsibility of helping to raise my niece alongside my sister, which placed immense pressure on us. The weight of adult responsibilities at such a young age was unsettling and sometimes overwhelming.
We never really found a solid foundation to ensure that things ran smoothly, especially in a neighborhood that didn’t reflect who we were. While we never faced significant trouble, we often felt like we didn’t fit in. Navigating this environment became a reality I had to learn quickly, and it has since become a valuable tool in my life’s journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Professionally, I am a man of many trades. I am best known for my skills in food preparation and cooking from various cultures, customs, and nationalities. I run my own business focused on sports and fitness, and I have many years of experience in education.
I take pride in simply being myself—someone who learns quickly, is skilled with my hands, and possesses a wide variety of knowledge. Growing up, I enjoyed fixing things, from clocks and houses to bikes and now cars. The process of learning something new is fascinating to me, and I seek that experience every day.
My greatest passion is working with children and helping them become the best versions of themselves. Having grown up without a father, I strive to be a positive father figure to others, embodying the lessons I believe my dad would have wanted me to learn.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Life will throw you wrenches, screwdrivers, bolts, and hammers. Use them all because they will help you build all the things you want in it. No one journey will ever be the same or in a straight line, because life is not about straight lines anyway.
One of the most important lessons I wish I had learned growing up is that saving time is more valuable than anything else. Cherishing the moments you have with family and friends is what truly matters. Take risks and don’t be afraid of the unknown, because everything you need is already within you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Chefboyrdickson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LILAdjr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-dickson
