My dad sold crack and got murdered at 22. My main role model in life was in the streets, as were almost all of my peers.
I started attending Eastern Michigan University at the same age my dad died; luckily I did because the older I got, the more tempting the streets became.
But I never gave in.
Now, I’m a 27-year-old black man with no criminal record and a bachelor’s degree. I wasn’t supposed to make it to the point I’m at now with the hand I was dealt.
But I did.
College isn’t necessary to become successful, but I have learned a lot through this journey and I am grateful it got me out of the situation I was in.
You can’t tell me I’m not winning in this game we call life! 
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