Brayden Rischer is a proud member of the Class of 2026 and part of the Pride of Mandela. He is heading to Columbia University, where he plans to major in political science and minor in human psychology.
His time at YMLA didn’t start the way most people might expect. He didn’t choose the school at first. But over time, he started to appreciate the culture and the brotherhood that makes YMLA special. “It’s family whether you like it or not,” Brayden said. “You stick together by all means, even when people go against the grain.”
One of the things that bothered him the most was how the district seems to treat YMLA. “YMLA is not the first choice for the district to help out when we need things done here,” he said. But instead of letting that hold him back, Brayden used it as motivation. “I love to go against that adversity. I love adversity.” For him, struggle makes the win more meaningful.
Still, life at YMLA had its challenges. “Seeing the same people all the time… it gets old quick,” he said. The lack of social variety made things tough, but even that had its upside. The same small group that made things feel repetitive also brought him closer to others. That bond became one of the best parts of his experience.
One of his favorite memories was the first basketball practice of his freshman year. “I wish I could go back,” he said. “I get a sense of nostalgia. Stepping into a new world. Basketball is my passion and it felt great.” That moment made him feel excited about the journey ahead.
Brayden has big plans for his future. He wants to go to law school and get into politics. After that, maybe start something of his own. He’s already working toward that goal. At Columbia, he plans to join pre-law, study psychology, and build connections through internships with policymakers.
When it comes to his favorite class, he speaks highly of Ms. Smith’s English class. “She made teaching great,” he said. “Ms. Smith has a very specific way of teaching, but it’s not even for us, it’s just how she is.” Her class was fun, different, and engaging. “A dream come true.”
Brayden also wants to speak on something he’s seen too many times. Some students come to YMLA with behavior issues but strong academic potential. “A lot of kids I’ve witnessed didn’t have the best behavior background, but had a great academic background,” he said. “Teachers never gave them the benefit of the doubt, even when they did change.” He believes those students deserve a chance and that their growth should be encouraged.
The biggest lesson he learned at YMLA is to be careful who you keep close. “Watch who you hang around,” he said. “No matter how long you’ve known a person, they can still not be good for you.” He also knows how much first impressions can stick. “There’s nothing you can do to change their perception.”
To the faculty, Brayden has a strong message. “Please dig deep no matter how a kid acts. No matter how much they seem like a troublemaker or whatever on the outside, dig deep and invest time into cultivating greatness.” He hopes teachers will take time to see past the surface.
“I don’t wish what I went through with faculty on anyone, having to dig yourself out of this hole.”
And to the students, he has one thing to say. Don’t give up. “No matter how low you think of yourself, keep pushing. The repetition, the drive, that will make your dreams come true.” He opened up about how he’s felt in his own life. “Outside of school-related things, I’ve always felt like the bottom of the barrel in a lot of areas,” he said. “And despite what people think, I’m not the most confident person.” And to close out this story, Brayden has a message for everyone, no matter who you are: Just don’t give up. No matter what.
Brayden Rischer is determined to succeed. The difficulties made him stronger. The pressure made him into a diamond. We should all aspire to be as good a man as him.
