Welcome to my biography! Sit back, grab a lil snacky snack, make a lil drinky drink, and enjoy the show.
My name is Seth O’Neal Seward. I am an African American male raised in King William County. I attended public schools in Hanover county, went to church at Antioch Baptist Church in Essex County, and grew up a living on an ambulance…….but not on the good end. Growing up, I had many debilitating health issues that would cause me to frequently be hospitalized in ambulances. Severe asthma, overwhelming obesity, sensitive allergies, and agonizing eczema made my early school years a living hell. I was frequently bullied for not being able to keep up with most kids on the playground, my eczema consistently bled through my clothing embarrassing me and my friends, and my allergies would often trigger my asthma thus inhibiting me from doing most outdoor activities.
Accepting my own uniqueness did not come until I was in high school. Marching band was the key I needed. The community within marching band was accepting of all walks of life and determined to push each student to be the best versions of themselves. It was here I learned the value of hard work, grit, and teamwork. Marching band at Hanover High School truly transformed my confidence and allowed me to believe in myself.
Believing in myself allowed me to apply for the Cormier Honors College at Longwood University. Little did I know, the honors college would become another transformative experience in my life. The honors college showed me how important self love is. The program pushed me outside of my comfort zone and showed me vast horizons of different possibilities. I learned more things about myself in these past 4 years than I have my entire life. I learned that I love the outdoors, serving others is my greatest passion in life, and how I can best use my unique skills to help the communities around me.
Growing up different was incredibly hard at times, but ultimately I am grateful for my upbringing because it has made me proud to be unique. It showed me that anything is possible with grit, the vision to see that people’s actions can change their situation, and that I am enough!