"We Beat the Streets"

There is a message that I one day hope to get across to my students and a message that I personally need to learn myself, at times. That message is - no excuses. "We Beat the Streets" is a compelling, eye-opening autobiography written by three Doctors: Dr. Sampson Davis, Dr. George Jenkins, and Dr. Rameck Hunt. As three young, black men from the rougher side of Newark, NJ, the odds are almost completely against them to ever get off the streets. Raised in broken homes, in shattered environments, in dangerous neighborhoods, these three young men beat all the odds to become successful, Medical Doctors.

What I love most about this book so far, is that it is a true story. As fiction, this book would be heartwarming; But, as nonfiction, this book brings me to a new level of inspiration and encouragement. I feel that as I read through each page of their hardships that I am constantly being reminded that there are no excuses. Call it luck, call it whatever you want but the only thing that got these boys off the streets was their determination to do so.

Though I am not far into this book yet, I am already encouraged by the lesson I feel this book holds. As cliche as it may sound, this is a true example of how anything is possible if you work hard enough and want it badly enough.