On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Damon West delivered a keynote address to the Catholic Central community, focusing on how positivity can transform one's environment. His slogan, "Be a coffee bean," conveys the idea that individuals have the power to change the circumstances around them. Just as a coffee bean transforms hot water into coffee, we can change the environments we encounter by choosing to thrive, no matter the challenges.

Damon West's story is one of power, resilience, and redemption. A talented young man, he began his life with a great family and a promising athletic career. However, a career-ending injury left him feeling lost, and he spiraled into drug and alcohol abuse. Despite his addiction, Damon managed to secure a job as a stockbroker at UBS, where he functioned as an addict for years. Eventually, his addiction escalated, and he fell into the grip of crystal meth. In just 18 months, he lost his home and all of his belongings.

Desperate and living a life of crime, Damon began burglarizing homes, a crime spree that lasted three years. His story took a dramatic turn when the Dallas SWAT team captured him, and he was sentenced to 65 years in prison. However, in the face of adversity, Damon found a sense of purpose. Upon meeting with his parole officer, Damon expressed his desire to be useful again.

On November 16, 2015, Damon was released from Texas prison and began his journey of transformation. His parole is set to last until 2073, but the man who walked out of prison was no longer the same. Damon committed himself to change, joining Alcoholics Anonymous and working to rebuild his life.

During his presentation, Damon shared with the audience the importance of servant leadership and putting God at the center of one's life. “There are only four things we can control: what we say, what we feel, what we think, and what we do. Surrender the rest to God,” he stated, echoing the message of surrender and trust in Christ. He also emphasized the importance of not letting fear or worry take hold, advising, “If you worry, do not pray. If you pray, do not worry.”

His transformation came not just from physical and mental recovery but from a deep spiritual awakening. He urged the students to adopt the "coffee bean" mindset, saying, “If you put a carrot in hot water, it turns soft. If you put an egg into hot water, it becomes a hard-boiled egg—the heat hardens it. But the coffee bean changes the water around it into coffee. The hot water is life. Be the coffee bean.” This metaphor encourages individuals to remain positive and adaptable in the face of life's challenges.

Damon also spoke about his time in prison, where he refused to join gangs or get tattoos. “The strongest man in prison always walks alone,” he explained. "A man must always fight his own fights. When you get knocked down, get back up.”

He shared five essential rules for living like a coffee bean:

1. Be positive.
2. Work out spiritually, mentally, and physically.
3. Become a servant leader—help others grow.
4. Understand what you can and cannot control (what you think, say, feel, and do).
5. Your past does not define you.

Damon West is now a college professor, an internationally recognized keynote speaker, and a three-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His message has touched countless lives across the globe, including Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, and the U.S. Army. His books, The Coffee Bean and The Change Agent, share his powerful message of resilience and personal transformation. His most recent book, The Locker Room, is being adapted into a film, and his children's book, The Coffee Bean for Kids, is helping to inspire the next generation.

In his closing remarks, Damon reminded the Catholic Central community that the power to change lies within each person. His message was clear: "Your past does not define you," he said. "You are stronger and more capable than you realize. Stay hopeful and become the change you wish to see in the world. If it is to be, it starts with me."