Chapter 28: From Hopelessness to the Hallways of Higher Education

“Why am I still here ... ” This is the proverbial question that I continuously have to answer daily. Having grown up in a home in which drugs were used and sold, placed in handcuffs more than once, shot at, and having lost several of my friends due to senseless violence, I realize that I need daily confirmation of the existential meaning of my life. The purpose of this chapter is to illustrate how locating your purpose, developing an action plan, and remaining resilient, will solidify your desired success no matter the impediments.

While in elementary school, I lived a stable life. I was an A honor roll student, a part of a local church, Pop Warner football player, and a cub scout. When I was 9 years old, my parents divorced, and my life would change forever. Every year, I would rotate schools between my mother’s home in Charlotte, North Carolina to my father’s home in San Antonio, Texas. This situation would take an abrupt halt during my eighth grade year, when several students were shot during a gang shootout at my feeder high school. My mom decided that she wanted me to attend a school called Victory Christian Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. that focused on discipline, leadership, spirituality, and academics. This decision would be a lifesaver as my father sold drugs out of the home and eventually became addicted to crack cocaine. This school helped me understand my purpose in life, which was far beyond the current lifestyle of drinking 40-ounce bottles and selling drugs. Even back then I knew my purpose was to provide equitable opportunities of success for those who grew up like me.