Owen Harris

I was born on August 18, 2006, in Tampa, Florida. We moved a lot, so I never had one hometown—I carry pieces of every place I’ve lived. As a kid, life felt good on the surface, but there was tension underneath. My dad had endured abuse from his parents, and some of that reached me. My mom’s parents were the opposite—loving, steady, and a big reason I became who I am.In 7th grade we moved from Miami to Atlanta. I made close friends, but my parents argued more, and I used music to drown out the noise. Feeling pushed away by people I trusted, I started to detach. I just wanted to belong.In early 2021 I chased a dream and joined the cast of Cobra Kai. Being on set gave me purpose and confidence. In 2022 I joined a rowing team in Tampa. Training was brutal, and I faced racism and hate, but I kept showing up and eventually ranked #3 in the state. That taught me perseverance.In January 2024 we moved again and I enrolled at Lake Nona High School. I kept to myself at first, then made a few friends and found boxing. Boxing gave me discipline, a way to channel emotion, and space to rebuild mentally and physically. Life started to feel positive again.Then, in April 2024, my dad passed away. My grandparents didn’t tell me; I found out two weeks later from a cousin. The shock and anger pushed me into isolation. My dad was one of the most important people in my life, and losing him left a hole I’m still learning to live with. Later that year I went through a heartbreak that hurt, but it became a turning point. I decided to let pain fuel growth instead of define me. I focused on becoming the best version of myself.By 2025 things began to brighten. I worked through the darkness and earned my school’s MVP award for my story and resilience. It felt like a milestone—recognition of what I’d overcome and the strength I’d built. Looking ahead, I plan to attend UCF and live with purpose. Acting, rowing, and boxing—and the personal battles in between—have shaped me. I’ve learned perseverance, self-love, and the importance of surrounding myself with positivity. Despite the struggles, I’m determined to keep moving forward, honor my dad’s memory, and find the happiness and love I’ve been searching for.‍