It’s been a little more than a year since I made a huge decision — a decision which would not only help me find my way, but a decision to never allow anyone to deter me from my dreams.

Unlike most, I can say I’ve been blessed to have been around a supportive family and friends who come to my aid when needed. It’s humbled me to do whatever I can for someone whenever they reach out. I almost never deny anyone.

I started working for a non-profit organization that was supposed to be a “positive place for kids” more than three years ago.

This experience was one of the best I’ve experienced because I was an outlet children used to express their feelings.

Learning their situations made me realize I had to do whatever I could to assist them in getting out of their surroundings.

There were many options I threw out to them with college being one of the main outlets.

Being black and living in the inner city, it’s a rarity, as well as empowerment to hear about others going to college.

My focal point was for everyone that I encountered was to never allow anyone to deter them from their dreams.

I didn’t realize I had to take my own advice until last year. My former bosses often told me I was a positive example for inner city youth since I attended college.

I earned a great reputation from parents and other community leaders for my determination in changing the landscape for youth. It wasn’t until my popularity among former co-workers, parents and other organizations my bosses had their reservations.

Honestly, everything was fine when they were getting all the glory but had a problem when I had a little sunlight.

When you’re doing something good, there’s always someone there in the shadows with jealousy.

I never managed to step on any toes, and if there was something negative going on, there was always a counter with something positive from myself.

Since I was great at being able to handle the stresses of working and going to school full-time, I asked my bosses if I could take night classes.

It was explained that it would help me get a chunk of my classes out of the way so I could graduate on time. Needless to say, they weren’t happy and told me they had to think about this.

Weeks later, they decided my life was too busy for them, and my position was being cut. They were going to give me less hours and less pay.

This was one of those times when grandmamma said to step out on faith. I talked to so many people on campus and turned to the ones I love for support.

When I left that situation, it felt like a burden had been lifted, and it was a green light to go on to better things.

The more I think about it, it seems like the more opportunities opened up when I took a risk of the unknown.

I had to realize I couldn’t succumb to the pressures of the working world but to go for my destiny. I look back on everything and look at it as a test of faith.

If anyone tells you not to go after your dreams, these people don’t have your best interest.

Invest in yourselves and your future.

Never rely on the promises of others because you will have a million more setbacks.

Here I am on the verge of graduating despite the hell I was put through. What I do know for sure — nobody can block my blessings.

By C.J. DANIELS

Newscast Editor

chdaniel@umail.iu.edu