Meet Walker Campbell

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Walker Campbell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Walker, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I have always loved music, and acting. When I was younger, people would kid me about it, or just razz me in general. Going into middle school especially, some people would try to make me feel uncomfortable about my music and acting. On the lacrosse field, the other teams would taunt me by yelling out my lyrics or blasting my songs before games. I would even receive anonymous emails at school asking asking very inappropriate questions/making accusations – in 6th grade!

But, I continued to develop in my music and as an athlete. At school and games, I just didn’t respond to the razzing, and brought my game. I didn’t discuss my work – just tried to be the best at the task before me that I could be. In my music, I listened to the adults and professionals around me. I worked hard in my off time and tried to find the vibe that I was happy with and I thought really expressed my musical taste.

Eventually, people quit razzing me because they didn’t get a response. And, my true friends were supportive of my music. I think the haters drove me to be the best I could be both in my career and in my sports. I was careful not to put out anything I wasn’t proud of – and I learned that it took a lot of hard work both in the studio and on the field to shut down the haters. But, I put in the work and knew any criticism was just kids being kids.

My confidence and self-esteem starts with the vision, followed by a lot of hard work, focus on the the positive people that are truing to help, and ends with a performance I know is good.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Professionally, I am a singer/rapper. I also am an actor and a student athlete.

I attend in person, public school, so I am around teens all day, every day. In between professional gigs, I focus my social media on healthy lifestyles and positive self image for teens. Teens today have a lot of info coming at them and it can be confusing. I focus on exercise, healthy habits, family connections, hard work and talking about issues that we all face. My followers see the hard work that goes into the successes, not just a pretty picture. With all the negativity around social media and teens, I want my followers to have a safe space to talk about real issues, find connections and inspiration for what they can achieve.

As for exciting things going on – I recently began working on a new sound with my music. Its more Rap/R&B. In June, I released a song called Ight Then and it’s going crazy on YouTube and Spotify. I have a another song releasing on September 6th called Love Me or Not. Both are fresh vibes and sick beats, with lyrics that are fun and non-explicit. So everyone can enjoy them.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The number one skill is the skill to learn. Be open to advice from your coaches and teacher. Don’t think you know everything going in – learn from people willing to teach you.

The second skill is resilience. Not everything works out. Heck, most things don’t work out. But for each experience, take from it what you can. Did you meet someone new and interesting? Did you learn a new skill? Did you get more comfortable in a situation you had not been in before? Take all of that and use it for the next opportunity and don’t sweat it when something doesn’t turn out like you had hoped.

Third – be grounded. Know who you are and that whatever you want takes a lot of work. Don’t judge yourself by people you are better than at a skill – look for those that can help you level up. Always be in learning/working mode and know that there is always someone that could teach you a thing or two.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

I balance school, multiple sports, singing and acting. It can be a lot. When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and find some quiet time. I look at my priorities and try to figure out what is the most important thing for me for the short run, and the long run. The most important thing, though, is knowing that I answer to myself first – and not others. There are times I cannot meet everyone’s expectations. Or times I have to miss things that I think would be fun. But when I’m faced with a conflict, all I can do is have clear communication, know what is best for me, and accept consequences of my decisions. Then, I do the best I can at what I decide to go forward with. A balanced, happy life is more important than perfection.

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Image Credits

Lounge chair and audience seating – photos by Logan Schaal

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