It’s been one obstacle after another for Tyki Nelworth, a young black male who’s officially classified as homeless, based on being newly released from foster care. His father passed away when he was 7, his mother is behind bars and he grew up in an environment plagued with drugs and crime. The story doesn’t end there, though.
Tyki took his challenges in stride and managed to graduate from high school — as president of his class, with a 4.2 GPA, no less. He was the captain of the school’s football team, and he’s on his way to West Point in the fall, paid for by alumni of his high school, Washington Preparatory, that were moved by his story.
“I try not to use the obstacles in my life as excuses to not do, I’d rather use them as reasons to do better,” Tyki told ABC news.
“To see that many people … behind me … I never would have guessed it. I just [feel] like I’m more, way more level than I thought I was,” he said.
Tyki’s triumph has been an inspiration for all those around him that may have been tempted to let the challenges of life hold them back from setting and achieving goals. His football coach had a bird’s eye view of his impact on his peers.
“He’s achieved everything he wanted to achieve. Everything we’ve asked of Tyki, he’s stood tall and handled his business and achieved it,” said coach Paul Holt.
Day after day we hear stories about the failures of young black men, but this tale of overcoming uncovers just what can happen with focus and determination, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. Chalk one up for the home team! –gerald radford
