Why I chose to be a Smart Guy: JT's Story

Being a smart guy wasn't easy. I made the commitment to be a life learner. The emphasis on book knowledge was not stressed in my neighborhood growing up. You had to have street smarts. Street smarts is very important but you have to have book smarts too. Book smarts give you opportunity. Opportunity to make progress in your life. To get into college, you need book smarts. To survive your neighborhood, you need street smarts. If you combine the two you get a well rounded individual, poised for success.
Life is a bunch of manipulations. Everyone is trying to get what they think is "best for them." If you have street smarts and common sense you can stay away from the negative manipulations from peers and negative pressure's from the world. You mix that with book smarts and you can pass tests, like the SATs, and create a good essay to get into college. Book smarts help you know enough to read things clearly and understant to avoid getting manipulated by credit card companies and other negative things in the world.
It's a cliche, but knowledge IS power. The power to control your own destiny. Without it, you are a puppet and others pull your strings. With knowledge and power, you are the puppeteer and you pull the strings. Get educated, be smart, and control your life. I did.
Peace,
JT
Another Smart Guy

JT earned a scholarship to Loyola College in Maryland where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a certificate in Special Education. JT is currently completing his master's degree in Education Administration at Temple University. JT has worked tirelessly in his career as an educator on behalf of special education students, believing that all young people have the potential for success and greatness, despite labels that might imply otherwise.

JT is also the Executive Director and Founder of the JT Dorsey Foundation, a non-profit, youth development organization that provides key services that are lacking, but necessary, in inner city Pennsylvania communities. For more information about JT's foundation go to www.jtdorsey.org .