I grew up in a rough neighborhood and didn't fit in at school. So as a kid, I spent a lot of time reading books at the local library. I fell in love with stories about adventure and mystery. The characters became my role models.
When I turned 18 my parents told me I was completely on my own. "We want to teach you the meaning of independence" they said. I believed this to be partly true. The bigger reason was they could not afford to send me, my brother and sister to school all at once. I worked as many as 3 different jobs each week to get through college.
My first year was tough. I had achieved 1.7 out of a 4.0 grade scale. That’s a C- average! The school sent me a letter. They planned to cut my financial aid and kick me out.
Following the characters in the novels, I didn't give up. Somehow I raised my grades, paid for school and graduated.
I now believe in themes such as the hero’s journey, the power of dreaming and grace that comes with exploration and taking risks. I try to express these in my art.
We can all achieve whatever we put our minds to. Even a once struggling student like me.
