THERE'S A MENTOR IN YOU Small Actions of Belief Make a Difference In a Life

By Melvin Williams

In 'There is a Mentor in You,' Melvin Williams shares his own challenging upbringing in the projects as an at-risk youth, where he felt life was spiraling out of control. From the loss of his father to gun violence to dealing with a parent who struggled with addiction, Melvin paints an honest and raw picture of all the adversities he

• Language: English
• Publisher: youth
• Release date: Apr 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869299352

Book preview

Preface

I truly believe that our identities and paths in life are shaped by the people we have met and interacted with along the way. Every person we encounter leaves an imprint on us, influencing our thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Their experiences, wisdom, and guidance act as guiding forces on our own journey through this adventure called life.

Without the support and assistance of others, we are bound to repeat the same mistakes as those who came before us. Whether it is the mentor who provided guidance and advice, the loved ones who offered unwavering support, or even the strangers who unexpectedly crossed our paths and left a lasting impression, each person has contributed to our growth and development. It is through these connections and interactions that we learn, grow, and ultimately become the individuals we are today. The process of building an attitude of never giving up doesn’t just happen. It takes a community of leaders who are willing to pay it forward by giving back to future generations. 

Introduction

Philly Made

Adversity is the springboard to great achievement.

~Anonymous

In this book, I will explore the positive impact one person can have on another's life and delve into the power we possess as human beings to make a difference, even in the face of adversity.

Making a positive impact on someone's life is a challenging task, and it is something that can be accomplished over time. It demands dedication, patience, and persistence. Undoubtedly, there will be times when we face challenging individuals, such as troubled adolescents who refuse to heed our advice or show blatant disrespect. However, it is essential to remember that every action, no matter how small, holds the potential to bring about significant change.

Contrary to popular belief, helping others to improve their situations doesn't always require a significant time commitment. In fact, collaborative efforts among various individuals and professionals often result in remarkable transformations. Take, for instance, the case of troubled adolescents growing up in chaotic environments; by assembling a team of religious figures, social workers, youth counselors, judges, prison officers, and other influential figures, a collective effort can be made to create an environment conducive to positive change. In this process, each person involved has a unique role, with their own skills and expertise that contribute to the larger goal. Through this collaboration, we can achieve meaningful progress, with each small action contributing to the larger cause.

Essentially, making a positive impact on someone’s life requires not only the willingness to help but also the acknowledgment that no contribution is too small. Consider this heart-wrenching story; it was a typical day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 4, 1983, at the intersection of 20th and Segal, where a tragic incident would change the course of numerous lives forever.

It was around noon when Christopher Berry, fueled by a mixture of cough syrup and Xanax, committed a horrifying act. He shot and seriously wounded Melvin Langley, a promising professional boxer who happened to be my father, at just twenty-two years old. 

The repercussions of this shocking incident were devastating. The wounds inflicted on my father proved to be fatal, and he sadly passed away two days later and left all of us alone.

The loss of a loved one is already an immense pain to bear, but to learn that it was at the hands of his supposed best friend makes it even more unbearable. This bitter truth created a heavy burden on my young shoulders. I was not only grappling with the grief of losing a father but also struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by the realization that my father's life was cut short by someone he trusted the most.

Due to this, I grew up amidst the harsh realities of the streets. The neighborhoods I called home became an unexpected mentor that helped mold my character and shape my perspective on life. Yet, despite finding some semblance of support in these gritty surroundings, I carried the pain within me. The trauma of losing a parent in such a violent manner sabotages a young mind, leaving scars that don't quickly heal.

Growing up under such devastating circumstances forced me to face unimaginable challenges while dealing with intense pain. The streets, so often unforgiving and harsh, became my first mentor.

The post-traumatic stress of losing a father in such a senseless act further added more struggles that plagued my everyday life. To make matters worse, when I discovered that my father's alleged best friend was the one responsible for his murder, it shattered my trust in those around me. Christopher Berry was the person who pulled the trigger, but all this was motivated by my father’s supposed best friend.

My life was not easy while growing up. Not only did I have to deal with the everyday struggles of a young child, but I was also greatly affected by the crack epidemic that swept through my community. This devastating crisis had a huge impact on my family and me. It seemed like every day, we were forced to relocate, trying to find a safe and stable environment for ourselves. Nothing was constant and stable in my life.

As a result, my education suffered greatly. Between 1988 and 1999, I attended over fifteen different schools, continuously moving from one place to another in search of stability. The persistent change in schools took a toll on my academic progress, making it difficult to establish lasting relationships with teachers and classmates.

In second grade alone, I enrolled in three different schools, and this pattern continued throughout my elementary school years. By third grade, I had already attended three different schools again, each time starting anew in an unfamiliar environment. This instability carried on until fifth and sixth grade when I attended two more schools, each in a different neighborhood. The crack epidemic not only shook my whole community but also disrupted my educational journey, leaving me with fragmented schooling experiences and a lifelong struggle to catch up academically. 

The instability I experienced was really demanding, as it seemed like the very foundation of my life was in a perpetual state of flux. I often felt like collateral damage in the face of the larger societal issues that surrounded me. Every day seemed like a battle to keep my head above water, as if I was going through a tumultuous sea of uncertainty. But perhaps the most harrowing aspect of it all was coming home to a broken family life. My mother, already fighting with her own personal struggles, was battling with substance abuse problems. Her addiction added an unbearable layer of chaos and dysfunction to our already fragile household. It was an overwhelming and isolating feeling as I tried to make sense of the world around me while simultaneously unraveling the tangled mess within my own home.

Growing up as an at-risk youth, I was the one who dealt with numerous setbacks. One of the most gut-wrenching events in my life was losing my father to gun violence. This event devastated my young mind.

In the absence of a strong, positive role model, I turned to the world of fiction to find inspiration and guidance. Characters like Nino Brown from New Jack City and Tony Montana from Scarface became my unlikely mentors. Through their stories, I gleaned a distorted understanding of survival and success. They represented a world where power, money, and violence held the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving one's goals.

Unaware of the warped lens through which I viewed life, I carried these misconceptions with me into adulthood. However, I was fortunate to find individuals who saw potential in me and believed that I could rise above my troubled past. With their support and guidance, I began to break free from the limitations that circumstances imposed upon me. They helped me reshape my perspective and