Walter is a honor student at Rutgers University, who just received a $30,000 Truman Scholarship, the only undergrad from New Jersey to obtain it. The award covers grad school costs for those pursuing careers in government or public affairs. At the age of twenty-seven, he was living in a halfway house and taking university classes through a program that allows convicted felons attend college. Walter was arrested in Atlantic City, after being charged with selling drugs and taking a plea deal for five years. To often it is believed that stories like this are rare and that young black boys are doomed for failure once they've made mistakes. Contrary to popular belief there are many black boys and men who make great efforts to overcome their circumstances, we just don't hear about them often. Furthermore the American justice system does not promote change and rehabilitation for convicted felons, they continue to be punished after serving time. We should applaud programs that seek to help and mold convicted felons and other troubled youth. Without these programs vicious cycles will continue in our communities, and that helps no one.
