When I was 19, my father decided to kick me out of our home. He dragged my clothes, my work boots, my cheap laptop, and a precious photograph of my mother into our backyard. He threw my belongings into a metal barrel and set them on fire because I had decided to attend a trade program in Columbus. He told me this destruction was the consequence of disobeying his strict expectations.

Fortunately, I had already packed my important documents and savings into a car belonging to my friend Nate. I watched my possessions burn and promised myself I would never misuse power the way my father did.

From Ashes to Opportunity

Nate drove me to Columbus that same evening with only $43 and a backpack to my name. I focused entirely on survival by sleeping on couches and taking daytime demolition jobs while attending my classes at night. I learned the construction trade by watching experienced workers frame houses and patch roofs in extreme weather conditions.....