Life & Work with Tristen Olive of Cary

Hi Tristen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Tristen Olive: A Beacon of Joy and Inspiration

In the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, NY, a young soul named Tristen Olive began his journey, and from an early age, it was clear he was destined to make a significant impact. Now 16 years old and living with autism, Tristen’s passions include the whimsical world of Thomas The Train, the energetic beats of MC Hammer’s “Too Legit To Quit,” and the soulful melodies of Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved.” His vibrant personality and love for these elements of his childhood are mirrored in his dedicated efforts to spread joy and foster community spirit.

In 2023, Tristen was honored as one of the first youth awardees for the Boris L. Henson Foundation’s Joy Awards, a prestigious recognition celebrating his exceptional volunteer work and his commitment to enhancing the Black community. Through the Joy Joints initiative, another National Campaign through the foundation, Tristen partook to elevate joy in his life and in the lives of others. His creative endeavors included leaving uplifting notes on cars, volunteering with an organization that distributes school supplies, and donating clothes, toys and books. His remarkable efforts earned his team, “Team Too Legit To Quit,” a commendable 3rd place among over 60 competing teams.

Driven by a desire for greater independence, Tristen took a bold step this year by creating his own volunteer opportunities. In April, with the guidance of his mom, he organized a story time event at Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill, NC. During this event, Tristen not only read stories but also donated a book to the school’s library and provided sensory widgets for students, ensuring a thoughtful and inclusive experience for all attendees. This initiative highlighted his growing ability to independently create positive, impactful moments for others.

As he continues to inspire those around him, Tristen is currently working on a new project, set to unveil in the next two weeks. Although details need to remain secret to not spoil the surprise, his unwavering commitment to spreading joy and fostering connections promises another meaningful contribution to his community. Tristen Olive’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, inclusion, and the profound impact of a joyful spirit.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overcoming Obstacles: Tristen Olive’s Journey to Resilience

When Tristen Olive and his family relocated from Brooklyn, NY to North Carolina, their journey was met with unexpected and daunting challenges. Tristen, now a 16-year-old with autism, was placed in a Cumberland County school environment that proved to be neglectful and abusive. His mother, fiercely advocating for his rights, found herself embroiled in a legal struggle against the school district. In 2016, a mock hearing was orchestrated at Fayetteville Technical Community College in a garage sized room, where Tristen’s mother was threatened with arrest for her advocacy efforts and denied proper appeal rights. Undeterred, she pursued justice all the way to the US Supreme Court representing herself after the mock hearing shenanigan, only to face obstruction as staff members hindered the processing of her paperwork.

The challenges didn’t end there. The state of North Carolina repeatedly violated Tristen’s rights by withdrawing and blocking access to essential supports, therapy, and services. Tristen’s scheduled therapy services with a social worker at UNC Hospitals Children’s Behavioral Health in Raleigh were abruptly altered to an inappropriate developmental therapy service, a change made in hopes that his mother would not be able to ascertain the difference. Faced with limited options, she traveled over six hours round trip to Jacksonville, NC for therapy, only to find that the promised regular sessions rarely materialized. This experience underscored a harsh lesson in persistence and resilience, much like the struggles faced by civil rights pioneers like Rosa Parks.

Despite these setbacks, Tristen’s mother sought to empower him through lessons learned from her mental health training and advocacy. Tristen’s mother is a former Guardian ad Litem who has served in Toni King’s (now a Chief District Court Judge) courtroom. Under his mom’s wing Tristen began to thrive, joining groups and receiving mentorship through the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program. However, just as progress seemed assured, his mentor wanted to abruptly end the mentorship, citing Tristen’s high achievements as a reason. Determined not to let this setback derail Tristen’s development, his mother crafted a tailored lesson plan for the remainder of the mentoring time. At the end of the mentorship, mentees got a chance to apply for the Steve Harvey mentoring camp in Atlanta. Despite an initial failure to receive the application from the mentoring program, Tristen received the application from Jamal Bryant’s Church New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Tristen received an acceptance letter to the camp.

Though Tristen’s camp slot was unexpectedly rescinded in the final week before the camp started, and subsequent interactions with the mentoring program proved unwelcoming, Tristen’s spirit remained unbroken. As Lisa Nichols famously said, “Don’t feel sorry for me; my story ends great.” Tristen is excited to reveal he has been accepted to a different and new camp this year, with details coming soon. This journey illustrates that individuals with disabilities, despite facing significant roadblocks, are making a profound difference and owning what makes them unique. Stay tuned for more on Tristen’s inspiring achievements and his ongoing commitment to inclusion and awareness.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Tristen’s Bucket List

Meet John Maxwell: Connect with the renowned leadership expert and author to gain insights and inspiration for personal and professional growth.

Meet Michelle and Barack Obama: Have the opportunity to engage with the former First Lady and President, and gain wisdom from their experiences and perspectives.

Go Kayaking: Experience the thrill and serenity of kayaking.

Swimming Lessons: Improve my swimming skills and gain confidence in the water.

Piano Lessons: Explore the joy of creating music.

Expand My Reading: Dive into a variety of books to broaden my knowledge and perspectives.

Math Lessons: Enhance my mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Educational DVDs: Explore new subjects and enrich my learning through engaging educational videos.

Martial Arts Lessons: Develop discipline, strength, and self-defense skills through martial arts training.

DVD of All American: Homecoming: Obtain a copy of the show to enjoy and reflect upon. One of my favorite shows.

Beach Trips: Enjoy relaxing and fun-filled trips to the beach, soaking up the sun and sand.

Illustrator for My Children’s Book: Find a talented illustrator to bring my children’s book to life, last illustrator would not provide illustrations.

Mentorship for Funnel Cake Business: Secure a mentor to help grow and develop my funnel cake business.

New Funnel Cake Equipment: Invest in new equipment to enhance the production and quality of my funnel cakes.

See Paw Patrol Live in Raleigh: Attend the live performance of Paw Patrol for an entertaining experience.

Genuine Friendships: Cultivate authentic and meaningful friendships that enrich my life.

Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities: Engage in volunteer work that makes a positive impact and aligns with my values.

A more inclusive WORLD.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
GOD because He really knows me and I really know Him.

My mom who helped me tell this story and has advocated for me.

Contact Info: godknowstristenrocks@gmail.com and my mommy sometimes posts my updates on her IG page @AutismFitMom and her LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocatehayes