In these chapters, Antwan shares his journey of resilience and inner strength, as well as how he fights and overcomes his internal struggles and external challenges to be his best version. The following chapters serve as a path to achieving a dream fueled with hope:
Chicago is bursting with world-class, big-city culture. The city is proud of its world-renowned museums, a jaw-dropping waterfront, groundbreaking music, Tony Award-winning theatres, iconic architecture designed by legendary architects, over 300…
I vividly remember spending time with my half-siblings before turning 10. I always considered them my biological brothers and sisters, and today we refrain from referring to one another as half-siblings…
As my little sister Mo and I got older, I started noticing multiple strange things our mother would do. For instance, she strictly avoided touching anything with her bare hands…
Most would think that a young boy would be too scared to repeat anything similar after getting caught by the police once. This assumption is far from reality…
The Officer and caseworker arrived at my Grandma’s house. I thought I was in trouble for stealing the money out of the wallet. The officer seemed to never…
My therapist was a middle-aged African-American gentleman who I used to find pretty cool. Visiting his office was always enjoyable because it would give me a break from the unit…
My therapist at Lydia Children’s Home employed unconventional therapy methods. For instance, our sessions frequently occurred outdoors rather than in the office. On one occasion, we took the train downtown…
The fight with my father was empowering. Perhaps I needed that. I felt vindicated and hoped Anthony would show up where I was headed—my brother’s house. My brother and…
After spending the rest of the summer at my brother’s place, I had to sort out my school plans and find a better place to live. Living at my…
After my brother drifted to sleep, Bryant and Aimee escorted me home, and I sat in silence on the way home. My heart, usually steadfast with affection for…
Unfortunately, things weren’t working out between Bryant and Aimee, leading them to decide it was best to part ways. Expectedly, at that time, I started reverting to old…
Despite Pat’s enthusiastic endorsements of Maine South’s academic curriculum, athletic department, and facilities, her main concern was my enrollment at the school. She was so concerned…
After visiting several colleges with my foster mother, Patty, I decided on Elmhurst University, just 20 miles west of Chicago. I started calling Patty ‘Mom’ more often, though I felt…
I can vividly recall the moment when Patty’s call lit up my phone screen, just a week into the new school year. My heart raced, bracing for the…
After graduation, I experienced both freedom and anxiety. On one hand, it was a huge relief to be done with classes, books, papers, and those early mornings…
Many former foster youth, like myself, are eager to create the family they never had, which can lead to rushing into relationships and making decisions out of a deep desire…
Opening up about my mental health journey has been challenging and uncomfortable. Yet, as I’ve journeyed from pain to acceptance, forgiveness, and ultimately finding peace and security in my faith…
There was no way I could ignore my brother knocking at the door and calling out my name. I was puzzled by how he found me, but it didn’t matter…
After attending group therapy sessions three times a week for three months, the group therapist arranged a final meeting with me. They recognized my dedication to healing and observed how…
At this point in my life’s journey, I feel deeply content, at peace, and mentally stronger than ever despite facing countless challenges. With the unwavering support of my loved ones…
Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved. Antwan Turpeau
