As an alumnus of foster care and now a doctoral candidate, I sometimes wonder what makes me unique. I wonder, why was I able to overcome the odds and breakthrough the statics that other foster children fall victim.  In 2002, I was in a group home and now 12 years later I am enrolled in the Marriage and Family Therapy doctoral program at the University of Louisiana-Monroe; how did this happen?

 

As I ponder these questions I realized that it was because throughout my life people who saw my worth even surrounded me when I did not believe in myself.  Those people would serve as angels who would instill hope within me and help pave the road that would lead to the success I have acquired.  One of these angles is Clyde Weems.

 

Growing up in the “hood” of Los Angeles California there weren’t too many black positive role models that I could look up to. Most black men in my community were drug addicts, in gangs, our in and out of prison. When I first meet Clyde Weems I was a resident a Leroy’s Haynes in Laverne California, and for the first time in my life I saw a reflection of what I could grow up to become. Unlike other men who I’ve encountered before entering foster care Clyde was someone who was motivated, had a huge heart, and genuinely cared about the growth of the youth he met. He was someone who I could aspire to be and I began to see that there were other possibilities in life for me then being a drug addict, dead, in prison, or a gang member.

 

This very day, I still reflect on one the many conversations that Clyde and I engaged in. These conversations gave me an opportunity to reflect on my life in a way that most young black children did not have. His insight and message was always thoughtful and delivered in a way that was relatable; he was someone who kept it real. One particular day, Clyde was transporting me to my mother’s house for a weekend visit. I may not remember the conversation word for word but the message has been instrumental in leading me down the path to accomplish all that I have.  That day what I took from Clyde was that you will be successful if you follow your heart and pursue what you are most passionate about; there is going to many distractions and opportunities to give up on pursing your dreams, if you stay focused and committed to bettering yourself then you will achieve all that you set out to accomplish.  These words have played a significant role in my life and I share them with every youth that I encounter in hopes that I would have the same lasting impact on their life as Clyde has had on mine.

 

So often we don’t get a chance to thank the angels that come into our lives. I am grateful that I am able to reflect how meaning my relationship with Clyde has been.  THANK YOU CLYDE!