As a youth developing in the chaotic and saturated environment that is New York City, Christian was exposed to a plethora of experiences, observations, and ultimately thoughts. During his adolescence he involved himself in extracurricular activities that promoted social consciousness, artistic development, and exploration of the self and society. Of the teen programs attended three left long standing influences, Expanding the Walls: Making Connections Between Photography, History, and Community at The Studio Museum in Harlem, Youth Insights: Writers at The Whitney Museum of American Art, and Global Potential: a non-profit org that teaches global consciousness, social entrepreneurship, community service, and advocacy. From learning about the Congolese Crisis and discussing it with a political cartoonist ousted from his home country, to hearing Thelma Golden’s advice on editing art Christian’s mind was aptly occupied.