From Prison to Prosperity: Gangbanger-Turned-UCLA MSW Grad Romen Lopez on his Road to Redemption
b'Today, "Find Your Calling" is privileged to trace the pitfalls & ultimate triumph of former gang member & recent UCLA graduate Romen Lopez.\\n\\nGrowing up in East L.A., a socioeconomically disadvantaged part of the city, Romen joined a street gang in 7th grade & ended up in detention facilities 5 times by his mid-20s.\\n\\nThen, came his turning point: education & a longing for a high-school equivalency degree.\\n\\nAs we discuss the UCLA organization he founded & his community-college partnership with L.A. Mayor Garcetti, we learn about how a blend of perseverance and a few gold-hearted people can allow one to make a leap of faith & emerge victorious.\\n\\n*Note*: Romen is currently seeking to enter the mental-health arena. Armed with two UCLA degrees and a breadth of unbelievable experience, his contributions to the field would undoubtedly enrich it.\\n\\nIf you\'d like to connect with him, drop me a line on my Twitter, @Terry_Ayzman, or my Facebook. Thanks for listening!'