My story is one of struggle, second chances, and transformation.

From a young age, I was caught up in gangs, substance abuse, and juvenile arrests. By 18, I was facing 25 years to life. I was convicted and spent nearly six years in a maximum-security California prison. When I was released, I had no support, no rehabilitation, and no direction. Within two months, I was back inside, once again facing 25 to life under the three-strikes law. This time I received a two-year sentence.

When I came home again, I still had no services or structure—but something was different. My wife, who was then a student at the local university, encouraged me to try college. At 26 years old, with no traditional educational background and no idea how to write a proper sentence or navigate a campus, I enrolled at the community college. I felt lost, out of place, and unsure if I belonged. But I stuck with it.

Slowly, I began to excel. I earned A’s, joined the debate team, won awards, and discovered a part of myself I never knew existed. I went on to graduate with high honors, earn my bachelor’s degree in Sociology summa cum laude, and later a Master of Social Work, finishing with straight A’s.

Along the way, I was chosen as the commencement speaker at my community college graduation, where I shared my story with thousands. My journey has been highlighted in news articles, I’ve been interviewed on local television, and after graduate school my story was published and shared widely. One of my proudest moments was being invited to speak at SXSW, where I represented what it means to break cycles and reimagine possibilities.

Since then, I’ve committed my life to service. I’ve done homeless outreach in the streets of Oakland, co-founded a college reentry program for formerly incarcerated students, and managed student support programs across two campuses. I’ve mentored youth in juvenile halls and continuation schools, and I’ve spoken in countless jails and prisons to motivate the “next Eric.”

Today, I work full-time as a crisis social worker in a hospital emergency department, conducting psychiatric evaluations and 5150 assessments. I also consult with reentry programs and colleges, helping justice-impacted students find their way—just like I once had to.

I am living proof that people can change, that education can heal, and that a life once defined by struggle can be rebuilt into one of service, purpose, and hope.