Got on the internet today and found an old friend. This is a person I have been thinking of along with a few others for may years. Over the years I hear about old friends because they are no longer with us and to be honest I thought the next time I was going to hear about the friend I found today..I was sure this friend was going to end up one of those stories I did not want to hear about. To my surprise when I stumbled across this old friends profile I was inspired and a smile was on my face. There was nothing but a positive message that I saw and as I looked into things more I found the "Who We Are" section on this site. As I read through it I found myself looking back and thinking how much life has changed for me and how my family has been there for me over the years. Just want to say to my old friend that I am glad to see your tying to makes some changes in your life and to keep going forward no matter what gets in your way.

I personally have been trying to take control over my life for the past ten years but my past still haunts me. I went in for a job interview last month for a top position in marketing. After being called in for 3 interviews and being hired the HR department told me they were going to run a background check on me. A few hours later they call me back into the office to go over my background. Everything I have worked so hard for was on the line and I had to look this man in the face and explain why I was in prison over 12 years ago. I could have not shown up or even tried to lie but even with the book of arrests this guy held in his hand I knew that I was not that person anymore.

All I can say is...I was honest and I am now the Social Networking Director for that company. Big hill for me to get over.

Hassan, keep your head up and do what is best for you and your family. Its not going to be easy but nothing has been so far. I am very happy to see you doing well and I hope you have success in all you do brother.


RIP
Brandy K. - Rick S. - Anthony D. - Sean C. - Miles W. - Chuck V.