“When I started at ETSU, everything changed. No one really knew who I was I didn’t haveĪny family here,” said Tiggs. I didn’t know anyone, especiallyĪfter having moved here from Louisiana. “I used to be very introverted, very shy, unconfident. It was only a matter of time before the support of the campus community began to help
While Tiggs said he initially came ETSU in 2016 feeling somewhat reserved and withdrawn, But, a part of me kept saying, ‘No,ĭon’t give up.’ A person only loses when they give in, so as long as I’m putting up “When I was in high school, people used to bully me for dancing, for just being myself,”Īdmitted Tiggs. To his unique methods of self-expression. Often struggled with being ostracized by those who reacted poorly, sometimes maliciously,
BRENDON JOHNSON TECDOC LINKEDIN FULL
His road to personal freedom was not always full of compassion and support. Tiggs says these communities have enabled him to grow. While he is known forĬreating his own tracks, he often boosts other artists up by incorporating their music In a community where he and other artists support one another. His Instagram account boasts nearly 16,000 followers, and there he flourishes He isn’t in it all alone Tiggs has created a community for himself not only on campus,īut online. Is self-taught, and he designs his own light equipment. Since then, Tiggs has been working to improve his performances. It started with Americanĭance crew Jabbawockeez,” recalled Tiggs. “Since I was little, I would watch videos of people dancing. Tiggs began to pursue dance as a method of self-expression. Inspired by performers he saw in the media, To leave a lasting impression on the ETSU community. To find a student who isn’t familiar with the name ‘Light Up Guy.’ Known for his L.E.D.-adornedĭance performances (and his resilience to fickle Appalachian weather), Tiggs has managed With his daily performances in high traffic areas around campus, one would be hard-pressed Over time, he became an ETSU icon: Light Up Guy.
Through this act of individualism and perseverance, he has inspired Put into motion something that he never anticipated would happen he began to dance-Įvery single day. Starting with only an iHome speaker and light-up shoes, Tiggs made a decision that Of school, when I decided to go ahead and perform. “I came to ETSU for a fresh start,” said Tiggs.
In pursuit of his undergraduate degree, Tiggs has found himself in a special position. Not quite having it yet has not stopped him from leaving his mark on the world. While he hopes to make positive changes in the lives of others with his degree, Graduate in December 2021 with his bachelor’s degree in psychology and minors in sociology and social work. Hailing from New Orleans, the East Tennessee State University senior is slated to For Brendon Tiggs, dancing is an act of public expression and self-acceptance.
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