University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Recognition

We Beat the Street: How a Friendship Pact Led to Success is an inspiring story of three underprivileged boys who grew up in a tough and impoverished neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey. A mere twist of fate opened the door to the opportunity that turned their lives around and enabled them to beat the odds in their lives and to realize their dream of becoming doctors.

This work of non-fiction has a special meaning to me because I have always believed that all human beings, irrespective of our differences such as color, race, gender, background, and socioeconomic status, want to succeed in life. However, circumstances, marginalization, closed doors, and baggage from our past often constitute obstacles. I also believe that just like Sampson, George, and Rameck we all need opportunity and strong determination to reach our goals. Everyone should dream big and seize every opportunity to realize that dream because as George stated "nothing is sweeter than making a dream come true." The story of Sampson, George, and Rameck is a testimony to the power and splendor of friendship and relationships in our lives. We should all in our own special way reach out and provide needed assistance and opportunity to the less privileged or more specifically to someone in need. This is how we make a positive difference in our world.