Growing up in foster care, Terrance resented being a “throw away kid.” He thought the connection he saw in movies—people reuniting, hugging, smiling, and happy to be together—was only for special people, not for foster kids like him.

It wasn’t long before Terrance stepped through the revolving door of drugs and incarceration, leading to more than a decade behind bars.

When he was released from prison for the final time, Terrance was ready for a new path. He committed himself to the Ready, Willing & Able program where he discovered his calling: helping others. After graduating with his Associate’s Degree from Bronx Community College, he achieved his Bachelor’s in Social Work from New York University. And in a few months, Terrance will receive his Master’s Degree from NYU’s Silver School of Social Work.

He firmly believes that with “hard work, resources and opportunity we can not only change our lives and communities, but our society as a whole.” As part of his commitment to promoting social, economic and educational reform, Terrance created The Doe Fund’s College Pathways Program. Dozens of formerly incarcerated men have used the program as a springboard to higher education.

One of the most profound changes in Terrance’s life came after reconnecting with his son and meeting his granddaughter for the first time. Over time, he went from being a father to being a true dad. And earlier this year, Terrance’s children looked on as he walked across the stage in his cap and gown to receive his NYU diploma.