Shepherds Of Healing highlights Aaron Phillip Scott for the “Dudes with Depth” series.
Written by: Chelsea Soils
This week, “Dudes with Depth” highlights Aaron Scott. With a passion for faith, leadership, and physical education, Aaron is active in both schools and ministry. He works for an amazing school-based mentoring organization that serves boys ages 11-17 in the largest school district in Tucson, AZ. As a chaplain, Aaron ministers in local men’s shelters, jails, and prisons. He is an aspiring author and entrepreneur and he is devoted to the discipline of leadership.
Read on to learn how this Dude with Depth affirms others through his life and his love of God!
What are some of your biggest accomplishments so far in your career? (Albums, Books, Sponsorships etc.)
I am currently working on branding myself and can’t wait to put some content out there so I can obtain sponsorship.
Has it been a smooth journey getting into your industry? If not, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
It’s always hard to find our path, to answer our calling and fulfill our purpose. Each person’s destiny is custom fit for them. It is a special space where only they can fit because there are so many distractions and obstacles, very few people are able to find their special space. It’s kind of like the wrestler that must drop weight so he can compete; often there are things we must shed so that we can fulfill our purpose.
I got shot in the stomach when I was 24 years old. I prayed, trained, and kept on marching. The Bible puts it like this in the gospel of Matthew: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.”
What is the biggest misconception about your line of work?
The biggest misconception is that mentors are here to fix problem children. I am not here to fix anybody. I serve as a remnant of great men that have gone before me and a beacon to those who follow me. I am part of a legacy of greatness. I am here to educate, inspire, and empower those who desire change, and are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it.
What age did you discover your gift? When did you get comfortable sharing that gift with other people and how did they react?
I discovered my gift at a young age – probably in grade school. One of my gits is having a magnetic personality. I can get along with people quickly and easily. Another gift is my ability to synthesize. I’m able to assess situations identifying adjustments and strategies to achieve desired results. I first began sharing these gifts with friends and family. Oftentimes it wasn’t received well because I was bossy and intrusive. I’ve since learned how to finesse my teams, wait for the leading of the Holy Spirit, and listen more than I speak. #majorkeys
What was your childhood like? Describe your environment from your house to your neighborhood to your school. How did these experiences shape you and your future success?
My childhood was lit! We had our share of trials and tribulations. But, they made me the man I am today, and I love him.
Describe the moment when you knew you were on the right path. How did that affirmation encourage you to keep pursuing your dreams?
One of my students said, “I didn’t know you could be cool and smart.” That was a game changer for me. Affirmation is good, but knowing who you are in God is better. Affirmation from people comes and goes, but God promised never to leave us or forsake us. The question is: Will we take Him at His word?
What have you had to do - mentally, physically, emotionally - to prepare yourself to pursue your career?
Mentally, we must be resilient. We must have grit. We must resolve to achieve our goals. Physically, We must be strong. We must be fit. Our body is the vehicle we will use to carry out our ideas we must take care of our bodies. Spiritually, we must have faith. The object of our faith must be trustworthy and faithful to us. We must discipline our minds and bodies to behave in accordance with our Spirit.
Tell us about your inner circle (close friends, family, mentors, relationship). How does their support impact your success?
My inner circle is made of up a few special men and women that love God. My close friends know me well and they always push me to be my best. I love my family deeply. I miss them because we are far apart from each other, but I pray for them daily and always make time to talk with them and see them.
I‘ve had various mentors throughout my life. Some have taught me things to emulate, others showed me things to avoid. I am thankful for each of them all the same. All the people in my life have had a tremendous impact on me. I am committed to learning every day from every situation. Some lessons are revealed with more ease than others, but each experience provides a lesson.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about yourself and others?
Jesus is the answer.
What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next 3 years? What are you currently doing to prepare for this outcome?
I feel like I will become ordained to writing books that influence people to pursue the Gospel. I also see myself building my network of influence and furthering my education. To prepare for this, I am always reading, writing, and marching towards my goals daily. I serve and lead in whatever capacity the Lord calls me to do. I fight the good fight and I keep the faith. I will finish my race.
If you could to talk to your 15-year-old self, what would you say?
I’d say “You are a King. You have much ahead of you. Don’t rush. Take the time it takes, and it will take less time. Honor your mother and father. Do your best at everything because there is no point in doing any less. Say no to drugs. Save your money. Listen to your heart. Trust yourself. Read your Bible and pray. You are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and God’s own possession. Pursue positivity, growth and the things of God.”
Why is it important for the next generation of young men to see people like yourself? What message do you have for a Gen Z’er hoping to pursue a similar career?
I am the type of man who is willing to tell you the truth, even if it hurts sometimes. I am committed to walking the walk, not just talking the talk. I am willing and able to help you through the journey. So, here’s what I want you to do. Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you and develops well-formed maturity in you.
Finally, which of Shepherds of Healing’s “Dudes with Depth” words resonates with you the most? (Dedicated, Empathetic, Polished, Trustworthy and Humble)
Dedicated (or Dedication). There is a time for everything, but to accomplish our goals we must dedicate the right time to the right things.
Aaron Scott is a Dude with Depth!
Wanna keep up with Aaron? Details below!
IG: @_aaronphilip
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