Tedric Thompson is the founder of Tunnel Vision Development.

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He was born in Los Angeles, California, and spent his early years growing up on the east side of Los Angeles before moving to Santa Clarita during his teenage years. From a young age, he developed a passion for football, beginning at the age of seven. That passion eventually opened doors that allowed him to earn a Division I football scholarship and fulfill a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL.

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While sports played a major role in his life, the greatest lessons he learned extended far beyond the field. Football taught him discipline, structure, accountability, time management, teamwork, and the importance of surrounding yourself with positive mentors and a strong support system.

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As he grew older, he began to realize that athletics alone could only take you so far. He also realized how many opportunities he had missed because his world was limited to what he knew growing up. Education, travel, mentorship, and exposure to different careers and experiences are all things that can completely change the trajectory of a young person's life.

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Through football, coaching, mentoring, and working with youth over the years, Tedric discovered something that continues to inspire him today: kids need role models. They need guidance. They need encouragement. Most importantly, they need someone who believes in them and helps them see possibilities beyond their current circumstances.

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One of the biggest influences in his life was his older cousin, Terrance Bell. Growing up, they came from the same neighborhoods and faced many of the same challenges. Their lives ultimately took very different paths. While Tedric was fortunate enough to play in the NFL, his cousin received a life sentence in prison. Seeing two people from the same environment experience such different outcomes reinforced a lesson that has stayed with him throughout his life: the choices we make, the guidance we receive, and the opportunities we are exposed to can change everything.

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During countless phone calls, letters, visits, and conversations, Tedric and his cousin discussed one question over and over again: How can they help young people avoid the mistakes that hold them back and instead put them on a path toward success?

Those conversations became the foundation of Tunnel Vision Development.

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Tunnel Vision was created to be more than a tutoring program. Its mission is to help students build confidence, strengthen academic skills, discover their interests, develop leadership qualities, and gain exposure to real-world opportunities. Tedric believes every child has unique potential, and the goal is to help them identify that potential and pursue it with purpose.

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The vision is to create a generation of confident, motivated, and well-rounded young people who understand that their future is not defined by their circumstances, but by their willingness to learn, grow, and pursue their goals. Through academic support, mentorship, and real-world experiences, Tunnel Vision strives to help students develop the skills, mindset, and direction needed to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.