Growing up in the inner city, we all find something interesting that motivates us whether it is positive or negative. Whether it is sports or being a construction worker in building a foundation for an organization. We all must start somewhere but at the end of the day at what cost? Growing up in a poverty area of violence and crime, my parents did the best they could, it was not always easy. When you have seen death and had friends growing up at a young age lose their life over simply nothing such as over words of jealousy, it puts a toll on you as you grow up. In the streets there is always a shadow following you and that shadow is death.
As time went on, I was taught the game and how to survive at any cost. I was taught the game of life, the game in the streets and those who follow or are watching as we know as the shadows. I did not want or like that type of life where you always having to look over your shoulder, so I opt to go another avenue and that was college and then the military. When I joined the military 27 years ago, after I failed out of college, I applied my street knowledge in a strategical way. Now, I was the shadow in a positive way, I watched, learned and asked questions and once opportunity presented itself, I took full advantage. Today, I am currently working on my Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership at Grand Canyon University.
In closing, just for the record, I was never a criminal but I have witness criminal activities. No matter what you do in life there is always a shadow around you. Your surrounding may be like the streets or a formality of the streets but like my father always told me “you don’t have to continue to look over your shoulders if you are smart about it.” I finally understood what he meant. What does it mean to you?
Education2Business 