"I had to grow up quick. As a 14-year-old, you just want to wake up and play with your friends," he said. "But when you see a natural disaster like that and see your life pass in front of you, you know there's more to life. You have to understand that everything isn't going to be the way you want it to be. When you're going through tough times, you have to make the best of the present. You have to keep the faith. I truly believe everything happens for a reason. And I take that with me through life."