I began at some point to understand the whole idea of accountability and responsibility and leadership, and I think that was something that really birthed something in me, where I knew I wanted to be part of a larger equation in our society.

My mother is extraordinary; she's a superwoman, like so many other single mothers who are out there.

I sat back, allowing Wes's words to sink in. Then I responded, "I guess it's hard sometimes to distinguish between second chances and last chances.

I just want to make sure that public service doesn't have to be an occupation, but it needs to be a way of life.

They hit you with a knife, you find a gun

Do you think that we're products of our environments? I think so, or maybe products of our expectations. Others' expectations of us or our expectations. I mean others' expectations that you take on as your own. I realize how difficult it is to seperate the two. The expectations that others place on us help us form our expectations of ourselves.

I just want to do as much as I can while I can, because none of us are promised anything.