After just a few moments of conversation with Rodney “TJ” Bynum Jr., if you're not paying attention, other than hearing his adolescent aged voice, you immediately forget that he's a teenager. Truth be told, “TJ” has seen, as well as experienced enough in his short life span to be classified a teen merely by the amount of years he's blessed the earth with his presence; because due to causes unpreventable by himself, he's as a result of these unfavorable circumstances, become a full blown, grown, yet still young man. With the odds stacked against him, TJ has willfully stepped up and accepted the challenge of proving he is not just another statistical figure on somebody's research chart. Far succeeding the task, TJ has transformed a personally strenuous situation into the type of triumphant story that anybody who has a seemingly impossible dream can take from and realize, the only thing that separates vision from reality is a conscious mustard seed like faith; and TJ Bynum's is the size of America, thus driving home the old saying “for those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible.”

Good afternoon Mr. Bynum. I would make some small talk with you, but at degrees way past zero, I'm finding it kind of hard to pull out questions; I guess I'm too busy looking for answers on how to stay warm. Let's start with you telling me a little about who you are.

TJB: Well, first off my name is Rodney Bynum Jr., but my family and friends call me “TJ”. I'm 15 years old, and currently a freshman at Lathrop High School in Fairbanks Alaska. I live with my mom and my younger brother. Sports, music, and girls are my basic hobbies. Traveling is a big part of my life too, being that I'm an Army kid I've had to move a lot. Some of the places I've been are Paris, Germany, Poland, and Holland.

Those are some very wonderful hobbies to have let me tell you! Amazing! You've done all that at 15! Alright, now walk me through a day in the life of Rodney Bynum Jr.

TJB: My weekday is basically the same as every other high school kid. I wake up, eat breakfast, and go to school. After school, I usually have drill practice because I'm in JROTC. Once that is over, I go the gym for basketball practice for about two hours. By the time I finish my homework and take a shower, it's pretty late so before I know it I'm up doing it all over again. Most of my weekend is spent at the gym doing drills and scrimmaging the adults in pickup games. If I'm not playing basketball, I'm at my friend’s house playing the Xbox. My friends and I go to the movies every Friday and Saturday night. We usually just go to talk to the honeys, but sometimes we watch the movie. Sunday is when I chill out at home to do all my chores and get prepared for the upcoming week.

How in the H-E double hockey sticks do you focus in 40 below weather?

TJB: Basically, I avoid going outside as much as I can by doing a lot of indoor activities, and I always make sure I got a ride home.

Your GPA at this moment is a what?

TJB: My GPA right now is a 3.51.

At this point and time, you're growing up in a single parent household with a younger sibling. That must've forced you into a role that you weren't exactly ready for. Did that have any bearing on your choice to focus on excelling and setting a good example instead of dwelling on a situation that you have no control over?

TJB: Yes, it actually had a lot to do with why my focus is so strong. Growing up I didn’t have a dad there all the time. I had to learn how to do things on my own, and how to sacrifice things for the ones you love. There were plenty of times where I had to give up my plans to baby-sit my little brother because my mom was at work. Even though my dad was not always there I still had a lot of family support whenever I needed it. It wasn’t easy though. Sometimes I found myself getting mad at other people for his mistakes, but my family was always there for me even when I was wrong. Soon I learned that I would have to get by without a dad. It’s important for me to be strong, because my little brother looks up to me. I try to set a good example for him because I want him to have a god life. Things worked out for the better though. Now I can cook a full meal, clean a house properly, balance a check book, and I learned how to be independent.

What is your relationship like with you and your mother?

TJB: My mom and I have a strong relationship. She has always been there for me no matter what. I can go to her for anything, anytime. We trust and love each other very much. I can surely say that I'm a momma’s boy.

What is your relationship like with you and your father?

TJB: I don’t really talk to my dad that much. He will call every once and a while and we talk, but other than that we don’t really have a relationship. I still love him though.

Describe the role you play in your home.

TJB: Since my dad is not around, I have to be the man of the house. I also have to a big brother to my little brother Scooter.

Do you blame your father in any way, or fault him for his decision to decrease the responsibility he holds in the lives of your brother and yourself?

TJB: Yes I do. He left us and never came back. I feel that it's his fault we never really had a dad. And to me, that really hurts because the relationship between a father and son is not something you can just go buy, eventhough he doesn't do much of that either.

Other than your mom, where do you look to for a release when you're having man issues, or you feel like the weight on your shoulders is too unbearable, because I'm sure the load gets heavy at some point?

TJB: Sometimes I talk to my old pastor back in Germany to release some pressure. The people I really talk to are my uncles, grandma, and my grandpa in Georgia. They really help me out and teach me things that I need to know about becoming a man and “handling my own”.

I'm really impressed at the fact that a young teenager like you can set and maintain such high aspirations in the 21st century; especially with all of the odds and pressures being stacked against the youth in this day and age. For those out there who can't seem to get it together but really are serious about bettering themselves and their situations, what would you suggest they do in order to develop his or own set of rules for success?

TJB: The first thing you have to do is get all the negativity out of your life. Let go of the people who are getting in your way of achieving your goals. Then you have to sit down and think about what you really want to do with your life. After you have a clue about what you want to do, start making goals that are reachable and will eventually help you to achieve your ultimate goal.

It’s time to talk basketball now. Who's your favorite NBA, NCAA, team, player, and so on? Break it down for me.

TJB: My favorite NBA team is the Phoenix Suns because they have a threat at every position and they really know how to run the floor. Vince Carter is my favorite NBA player. I just like the way he glides through the air and has the ability to adjust his shot in mid air while still making it. Georgetown is definitely my favorite NCAA team. I have liked their offense since I was 9. Michael Beasley of Kansas State is my Favorite college player this year. He just goes into beastmode on everybody, in every game.

Why basketball? Does it provide the release you need to maintain mentally, or is it something you just acquired a deep love for?

TJB: Both actually. When I'm mad or feeling stressed, I play basketball because as soon as I make that first shot in someone’s mouth, I just start to feel better. When I started playing basketball I knew it was my sport, and my love for the game just progressed over time.

Lol, I like that, but you know I got to ask. Now I know you say you're a basketball player and all, but so does everyone else, so I think you should let me be the judge of that. What kind of stats are we looking at here?

TJB: Well this year I'm doing all right. I average 12 points a game, 8.5 rebounds, and 4 assist. Don’t worry though; these stats will have improved by the end of the season.

Ok! Ok! Not bad! You got any colleges looking at you? Is there a university in particular you'd like to attend?

TJB: I don’t have any colleges looking at me as of now, but I do plan to start writing to some next year. The college I really have my eye on is Georgia Tech, because it is close to home and they have a good sports and academic program.

Are you undecided on what you want to major in, or do you have that under wraps also?

TJB: Right now I want to major in mechanical and computer engineering.

This is a lot of good stuff here Mr. Bynum. I'm not getting charged for this interview am I?

TJB: No, the first interview is free.

Great. So since we're clear of all fees and surcharges let us help you out. For those needing counseling, advice, or umm... lets just say friendship, how do they go about finding you?

TJB: If you want to find me you can look me up on myspace, and that address is www.myspace.com/swisht. Or, you can email at tbynum15@yahoo.com.

There you go! Your own guidance agency at age fifteen! You're already a first-rate entrepreneur huh? Mr. Bynum it was an absolute honor to interview you as we see nothing but great things coming from you in the future. Can I shamelessly plug just one more request before we sign off?

TJB: Yes.

When you're at the top, make sure you tell them Global Soul Power made the prediction first.

TJB: I will make sure to do that, and thank you for the interview.