Meet Jeffery from Brooklyn

Meet Jeffery from Brooklyn, New York, a man whose life story is full of twists, choices, and unforgettable experiences. Jeffery originally grew up in Queens, close to the water. He shared that growing up there wasn’t always easy, but it shaped who he became. The neighborhood was incredibly diverse and some of his closest friends came from many different backgrounds: Irish, Lebanese, Italian, and Muslim. Those friendships gave him a deep appreciation for people and the different paths life can take.

His visit today actually started with a simple YouTube video. Jeffery loves sightseeing and discovering places with history and character, and after seeing the cave online he knew he had to experience it for himself. He has traveled to many attractions across New York, including Niagara Falls, but getting here today came with a small adventure of its own. After accidentally missing his scheduled tour, things could have ended there, but thanks to Julian from Guest Services opening the doors for him and our beloved Brian stepping in to guide him through the cave, Jeffery still got the experience he came for.

Jeffery’s life has been shaped by a series of big decisions. In high school he dreamed of attending the Art and Design program, but he was denied during his freshman year. Instead, his teachers encouraged him to focus on basketball. At 6’3″ with an incredible jump, they often told him he had “a great pair of legs.” Jeffery played on the varsity team and became deeply involved with the sport.

Then, during his sophomore year, everything changed. He was finally accepted into the Art and Design program he originally wanted. Suddenly he had another difficult choice to make: leave for the school he dreamed about, or stay with the friends and community he had built over the previous years. Jeffery chose to stay with his friends. Looking back, he laughs and says it might have been the “worst decision of his life,” but it also became part of the journey that shaped him.

After high school, Jeffery had several exciting opportunities ahead of him. With strong SAT scores, he had the chance to attend places like Cooper Union, the Academy of Aerodynamics, or Pratt Institute. He ultimately chose Pratt Institute, where he studied forensic photography.

While there, he continued playing basketball and had the incredible opportunity to compete at Madison Square Garden, an experience few athletes ever get to say they’ve had.

His career eventually led him to work for the New York City Department of Corrections, where he saw a very different side of life. One of the hardest moments he shared was encountering people he had once known growing up, friends he remembered as talented, intelligent individuals who had taken the wrong path. Seeing where life had led them was something that stayed with him.

Through his work, Jeffery met many people whose stories left lasting impressions on him. Some had been athletes with huge potential, others incredibly bright individuals whose lives changed in a single moment. Conversations in quiet control rooms and moments of reflection gave him a perspective on life that few people ever experience.

Jeffery also got to do personal security for celebrities, including Lebron James, Michelle Obama, Gabrielle Union, Carmelo Anthony, and many more famous basketball stars.

Jeffery’s story is a reminder that life is full of crossroads. The choices we make, the communities we grow up in, and the people we meet all shape where we end up. Today, that journey led him here and we’re so glad it did! Thank you for visiting and sharing your story, Jeffery