Thriving After High School: A Letter About What I Would Teach My 18 Year Old Self About Life and Relationships

By Dr. Chris A Brazzle

"I love that you started with your humble beginnings which makes Thriving After High School relatable to many young men like yourself. It's an easy read. I, myself, feel motivated after reading this book to make sure my own kids use this advice to be set up for success after graduating high school." -Brian, Business Consultant

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christopher Brazzle
• Release date: Sep 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781087906997

Book preview

DEDICATED TO

All high school seniors.  You are on your way to being the best version of you living your best life.

Thanks to all of my reviewers for your recommendations and edits.  This wouldn’t be possible without your valuable suggestions.

Most of all, my distinguished gratitude goes to my wife, Anitra and children, Myles, Gavin and Nadia.  You all are my greatest supporters and inspiration.  Thank you for everything.

In Praise of Thriving After High School

"Outstanding! Outstanding! Outstanding! As you read Thriving After High School and reflect on the words in this book, ask yourself, is this me?  Am I this story? How can I shape my destiny? Live and learn." - Brady, First Vice State Director Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

"I love that you started with your humble beginnings which makes Thriving After High School relatable to many young men like yourself.  It’s an easy read.  I, myself, feel motivated after reading this book to make sure my own kids use this advice to be set up for success after graduating high school." - Brian, Business Consultant

"In Thriving After High School, Dr. Brazzle shares his humble beginnings and life lessons, many of which he learned the hard way.  Knowing your value and doing all things with love are just two key ideas elaborated on.  This is a perfect read for high schoolers and young adults venturing on their own.  It is also a wonderful reminder for adults." - Danielle, Teacher

"Thriving After High School. VALUE...Love this section." - Felysha, Librarian

CONTENTS

DEDICATED TO

Introduction

Dear 18 Year Old,

There’s more to learn

Investing

Serving Others

It all begins with you

Value yourself

Don’t Compare Yourself

It’s perfectly fine to say No

Be Courageous

Savings

Voting Matters

Be in Community With Others

Love

Communicate Effectively

Don’t be Afraid to Make Mistakes

Mindset is Everything

Add Value to Others (Increase your Value)

Listen With Your Heart

Uplift and Inspire Others

Dream Big

Create a Vision Board

Forgive

Attitude makes a difference

Have a Blueprint

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Self-Care

Credit/Bill Pay

Have fun

Laugh constantly

Money will not solve all of your problems

You are always under construction

Relationships

Closing

About the Author

Introduction

First, thanks for picking up this book. I don’t think you will be disappointed.  I’ve got decades of experience and knowledge invested in this book.  I believe strongly that you have this book in your hands for a very good reason. 

I’ve got quite a bit to share with you.  Before we get started, allow me to share my story and explain where I come from.

I grew up in Washington Park in North Miami Beach, a community where everyone knew everyone.  I am the youngest of seven raised by a single mom.  Not by choice.  My dad was shot and killed when I was just 1 year old; two short months before I turned two.  As a result, I do not have any memories of him.  We never had a chance to play basketball together.  He didn’t get a chance to teach me how to catch or how to treat women.  We never had a chance to barbeque together or talk about life. 

Growing up in a fatherless home, society already had expectations for me.  I was most likely to exhibit behavior problems, end up in the criminal justice system, and drop out of school.  On top of that, my mother struggled to make ends meet.  We were what I called below poor from a financial standpoint.  I remember my mother filling out the paperwork at the beginning of each school year and on the lunch application for free and reduced lunch, her yearly salary was somewhere below $12,000.  Not a week.  Not a month.