In this episode, host De'Angelo opens up about two major “losses” that shaped his life: the passing of his auntie and getting kicked out of Riverside University High School near the end of 10th grade. Still grieving and feeling mentally overwhelmed, DeAngelo describes how his mind was racing, his patience was low, and everything started collapsing at once—leading to choices that changed his school path.

After Riverside, he transferred to Alexander Hamilton High School, but quickly realized it wasn’t the right environment. He explains how the long classes, lack of structure, and low accountability made it easier to drift—skipping class, hanging in the hallways, and losing motivation. Even though his mom tried to keep him on track, he admits the setting wasn’t pushing him, and he could see himself heading down a bad path.

Everything shifts when he gets accepted into Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy in September of his 11th grade year. DeAngelo describes that moment as a turning point: the staff felt welcoming, communication was real, and the school’s culture—college-focused and structured—helped him lock in. He shares how he made a promise to himself to do better, and once he arrived, he followed through, earning a 4.0 in his first semester and making the honor roll consistently for the first time since elementary school.

De'Angelo also takes time to shout out the teachers and staff who helped him grow—people who encouraged him, supported him, and pushed him to become a better version of himself. He closes by sharing his college wins and goals, including acceptances to Central State, Alabama State (HBCU), and MATC, while waiting to hear back from more schools. His dream is Jackson State, but he emphasizes that no matter what, he’s committed to doing what it takes to reach his future.

Key themes: grief, accountability, finding the right environment, personal growth, discipline, and believing in “bigger and better things” after setbacks.

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