The author grew up and attended public schools in East S. Louis, Illinois. He graduated high school near the top of his class. He, briefly, attended Southern Illinois University and Tennessee State University after high school but decided to enlist into the United States Navy while at TSU. He served six years in the Navy (Vietnam Era and Iranian Hostage Crisis) and was honorably discharged. The high point of his service was his travels which took him all over the world. He travelled to many exotic places. A few of those place included Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangkok, Manila, and Mombasa. The Navy was definitely an adventure but it, also, inspired the author to go back to school. After the Navy he enrolled at University of California at Berkley. He transferred and graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in French. He later attended The University of Mississippi where he earned his Masters Degree in Education and also worked on his doctorate. He has been in public education for over 20 years. His mission in life has been public education and educating those less fortunate than himself. This mission is fluid and is constantly evolving. Travelling, teaching and sharing with others, particularly the youth, about the dangers of substance abuse are the author's current passions!