"I was heading down a path of drug dealing and gang involvement. It was difficult to avoid drugs and gangs growing up. I was totally out of control and heading down a dangerous path...Getting caught was the best thing that could have happened to me. The first six months were really hard. I had to break ties with my friends and even some of my relatives. I learned to believe in myself and knew I could change the direction that my life was going through the love and support of my parents. I was able to turn my life around, but it wasn't easy."
