Brandon Vega’s life story is a living testimony that we have to keep EATN, no matter our circumstances. Vega had a 1.9 GPA entering his sophomore year of high school and was later removed from Miami Carol City High's basketball team. He then transferred to North Miami Beach Senior High where he slightly improved his academics, but with a 2.3 GPA college seemed out of reach. Determined to push forward, Vega attended a prep school in Jackson, Mississippi after graduation. There he polished his scores for college entry. 

Vega's talent and dedication earned him a full athletic scholarship to Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, where he received his associate’s Degree in General Education, while maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Snow College inspired a new outlook. After completion of his AA degree, Vega was presented with a Division 1 offer from Winthrop University. The future seemed promising but Vega's dream, however, became a nightmare. Upon his arrival, he tore his ACL during the first week of school. Unfortunately, he had to red-shirt for the remainder of that year. After returning from injury, playing time was scarce and frustrations with basketball began to reflect in his academics.

After much deliberation, Vega transferred schools. It was this decision that led him to Fairmont State University: where he continued to pursue his bachelor’s degree as well as complete his basketball career. While Vega was hopeful, he did not play as much as expected there either. Nevertheless, Vega never ceased to contribute to the team, becoming a leader, as well as a mentor to some of the younger players. Despite what was taking place on the court, Vega's resilience and resolve won him selection to the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor's society for his 3.2 GPA upon graduating.

Vega has worked with The Kiwanis Club's Terrific Kids Program helping to promote character development, high self-esteem, and positive peer relationships. The program also provided children with food and school supplies. Vega also once served as a student leader on a mission trip to Haiti, where his group provided necessities, spent time at an orphanage, and participated in leading a basketball clinic within the community. Vega has never been a stranger to service. Providing a helping hand has never been an issue, especially being a point guard his entire life.

Being an athlete taught many valuable lessons, and basketball gifted Vega with opportunities to explore the world—gaining a more fulfilling outlook on life. His experiences and environment helped him create EATN which is the acronym for Exist Above The Noise. His survival enlightened his commitment to help the community. At times self doubt played a major role in his life. Just as many others may have experienced at times. Through a conversation about community and upbringing, and the motivation to make it, Vega was bestowed the gift of the idea, and then EATN was born.

“I figured out a way to create a unique concept

using a word that so many people thrived off of.

EATN was then reinvented, becoming the acronym for Exist Above The Noise.”