The night before I was set to begin at Weber High School, a Catholic boys school in inner city Chicago, I remember my Mom saying to me, "Michael, tomorrow is a big day. You're going to meet new people, you're going to be exposed to different ideas, you know, life is going to change for you as you start high school."

And I'll never forget what she said next. "Make sure you get on the right bus."

I didn't understand what she was telling me. I told her, "I've been getting around the city for the last three years. I know Damon to Armitidge, Armitidge to Division, Division to Grant. I know how to get around the city." My Mom then explained to me what she had meant. She told me that "throughout life, you'll either be driving your own bus or riding on someone else's. Either way, make sure the people on the bus with you are good people and you will always have the support of good and caring people. These good people will expose you to good values, new ideas, and valuable lessons in life. As long as you are on the right bus with the right people, you'll always be heading in the right direction.

Learning Points: Integrity, Personal Responsibility, Dependability, Work, and Imagination.