<ins class='dcmads' style='display:inline-block;width:728px;height:90px'
data-dcm-placement='N46002.3910832MAHOGANYREVUE/B29181624.356591058'
data-dcm-rendering-mode='iframe'
data-dcm-https-only
data-dcm-gdpr-applies='gdpr=${GDPR}'
data-dcm-gdpr-consent='gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755}'
data-dcm-addtl-consent='addtl_consent=${ADDTL_CONSENT}'
data-dcm-ltd='false'
data-dcm-resettable-device-id=''
data-dcm-app-id=''>
<script src='https://www.googletagservices.com/dcm/dcmads.js'></script>
</ins>
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! 
“
