Ajani Simpson
PUBLIC FIGURE

AJANI SIMPSON

My Upbringing 

As the son of Jamaican immigrants, I have lived in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, and I currently attend school in Harlem. My parents immigrated to the United States as teenagers and dedicated themselves to building a better life. My mother became a Medical Assistant, while my father pursued a career as an engineer.

Both of my parents have consistently encouraged my intellectual growth. My father taught me to identify patterns on an iPad when I was a toddler and introduced me to LEGO sets, which fostered my creativity and problem-solving skills. I grew up alongside my older sister, Briana, and we share many memorable experiences. For example, we once attempted to hatch eggs from the refrigerator by placing them near the radiator. Although our experiment was unsuccessful, it remains a source of amusement for us.

I enjoy visiting Dave & Buster’s, watching films, dining out, playing chess, and participating in basketball. Last year, I earned a medal in my first chess tournament. During the summer, my father and I ride scooters and bikes to the lake near the Belt Parkway to search for hermit crabs.

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School is really important to me. I think of it like running a company, where falling behind in one subject can mess up everything else. My favorite food is curry chicken, and I like to have chocolate ice cream as a snack. My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird. I enjoy math, playing basketball, and watching the New York Knicks. Jalen Brunson is my favorite NBA player. I do not like to drink sweet beverages; most of the time, I just drink water. 

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I get very competitive when I play chess, especially with my dad. He taught me how to play, and even though I’ve beaten him a few times, he’s still the person I most want to win against. I’m always trying to catch up for all the times he’s beaten me. It’s a real father and son rivalry.

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Academic Excellence

Since Pre-K, I have consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and maintained high academic standards. At Success Academy Charter School in Harlem, I have achieved outstanding academic performance, remaining on the Honor Roll, including during the fall of 2025. Before attending Success Academy, I studied at Excel Academy in Brooklyn, where I was recognized for my intellectual curiosity and academic excellence.

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One of my proudest achievements was earning a 103 average in math over a trimester. I also attained high scores on the NYC Regents sample examinations, which further demonstrate my advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities. My teachers frequently commend my capacity to understand complex concepts and to apply them in innovative ways across new contexts.

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Since kindergarten, I have maintained strong grades in all subjects, with particular strength in math and science. I actively participate in class discussions, ask insightful questions, and assist classmates when they encounter difficulties. I approach my education with dedication, and I believe that my curiosity and work ethic make me a motivated and capable student.

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Chess Achievements and Aspirations

At age four I was introduced to chess by my father. I quickly developed a strong passion for the game, dedicating significant time to studying openings, middle and endgames. I currently compete in school and local tournaments, where I have achieved several top finishes and established a reputation for creative strategies and composure under pressure. As a recent member of the US Chess Federation, I participate in rated tournaments to improve my ranking, demonstrating a sustained commitment to personal growth and mastery. I aspire to become a Grandmaster, which motivates me to study advanced chess theory, analyze my games, and seek mentorship from experienced coaches. My dedication extends beyond personal advancement. I tutor peers and young adults in chess on Saturday mornings at Alpha Leadership Academy, a local nonprofit community organization. My experiences with Alpha Leadership Academy demonstrate both my strategic leadership abilities and the Academy's commitment to community service, inspiring others to appreciate the intellectual challenges of chess and to pursue their own goals.

Athletic Pursuits in Basketball

I recently joined my school's basketball team and now train several times a week, participating in both practices and games. This experience has strengthened my dribbling, shooting, and defensive skills, while teaching me the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and clear communication. I also compete in an in-house league at Hoops Academy, where I sometimes serve as team captain and encourage my teammates to work together. The coaches at Hoops Academy have introduced new strategies that have further developed my abilities. On Saturday mornings, I volunteer at a local school basketball gym in Canarsie, Brooklyn, teaching my peers the fundamentals of basketball. These experiences support my academic interests and help me build discipline, consistency, and patience.

Creative and Technical Interests

​Art

At my current school’s art club, I continue to develop my creative skills through painting, sketching, and working with clay. I take pride in my work and appreciate the opportunity to present my original ideas to the class. Additionally, I collaborate with other club members on group projects and actively contribute my ideas.

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Coding

I pursue coding through structured online classes. I also have completed introductory courses in Python and Scratch, building simple games and interactive projects that demonstrate my logical thinking and passion for technology. You will see a video of my first project I did at age seven. 

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Second Language
I practice French as my second language by using a mobile app and watching YouTube lessons. I want to get better at French because I’m curious about different cultures and want to talk with people from many backgrounds.

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Future Goals and Personal Qualities

I plan to pursue mechanical engineering or a related field to leverage advancements in artificial intelligence, building on my strong background in mathematics, science, and problem-solving. My long-term goal is to become a stock market investor and establish my own business, driven by entrepreneurial ambition.

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Communication and Social Skills

I communicate clearly and confidently in both formal and informal settings. I share ideas well during class discussions and presentations, often offering thoughtful insights and asking good questions that deepen the conversation. I take the initiative to support learning, whether by finding extra resources online, talking with teachers, or joining student-led projects. My strong people skills make me approachable and respected by peers and adults alike.