YOU CAN BE WHO YOU WANT TO BE empowers children that they can aspire to be anything they want to be. Campbell recognized that today, because of various aspects of life, children aren’t given the ability to imagine and tend to settle in what they have the ability to achieve. With this realization, Campbell wanted to present children with numerous careers, providing them with a sense of optimism and belief in themselves to accomplish their dreams.

About the Author

Melvin L. Campbell Jr. grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania, in a two-parent household with three brothers who have taught him a great deal about life. A lot of their family vacations growing up were at historical sites and the Jersey Shore. History is very important to Campbell as is his family and beliefs. Mark Twain stated, “History doesn’t repeat itself, it rhymes.” Campbell truly resonates with Twain’s remarks and believes that the more history you know, the better off you are in telling the future. 

Growing up in the environment that he did, Campbell was given the belief at a young age that he would be a first-generation college graduate and that he is today. He also has his master’s degree. at one point in his life, Campbell was a youth basketball coach and would hear kids talk about what they couldn’t do or be. Campbell is currently an uncle to two nieces and two nephews and he hopes that they never fall into that trap and believe in a fake barrier holding them back from what they truly want to be.