If there’s one word to describe Alex Davis Jr. — better known by his peers as AJ — it’s grateful. It spans from his studies to his friendships, but nothing will ever amount to his gratitude for the leading figure in his life: his father.

“Not everyone has the chance to have a father figure in their life. I could’ve ended up anywhere. I’m very lucky,” AJ said. 

From an early age, he and his father, Alex Davis Sr., maintained a tight knit relationship, but the circumstances that forced them closer were not ideal and would be grievous for anyone, especially a young child. At just a couple days old, AJ lost his mother, and his father immediately became the preeminent figure in his life.

A first and last name are the least of AJ’s inheritance from his father. He already hopes to one day pass down the many life lessons and advice to his future children. He values the high academic expectations, fishing trips and time he and his father spend bonding on the basketball court.

Athletics has been an essential part of the relationship the father and son share. AJ’s father coached his city league basketball team for nearly 10 years. Although he no longer plays, AJ says the memories he and his father created through basketball are so special that he hopes his future children will take on athletics so those bonds will again form.

As an African-American male, AJ is especially grateful to have a present father figure in his life. Davis Sr. is the driving force behind AJ, but AJ himself hopes to be an inspiration for his 11-year-old brother. 

AJ said he fears letting down the people he loves and losing motivation, but he often seeks advice and answers from his father — AJ’s mother being a common conversation topic. 

He treasures the stories his father, and even other family members, tell of his late mother. 

“Everyone thought she was such a sweetheart,” AJ said. “Everyone says I look just like her.”

Withstanding a global pandemic and abnormal senior year, AJ’s bond with his father has remained one of few constants.

“Things like walking across the stage as a senior or taking senior portraits won’t be the same,” AJ said. “But my family, my stepmom included, are helping me cope. I feel as if things can be normal, and there are still chances to have fun.”