From Streets to Success: When Past Meets Aspiration

Have you ever felt like your past mistakes would forever define your future? Join me, Sterling Brown, on a candid exploration of my journey from a turbulent past filled with legal troubles to a hopeful path in education. Between 1996 and 2000, I faced a range of challenges, from misdemeanors to felonies, all while trying to navigate away from the negative mindset of Philadelphia. But the turning point came with the realization of impending fatherhood, driving me to break the cycle of my upbringing and strive for a better future despite societal barriers.

Listen as I recount an eye-opening experience during a university admissions interview where my past confronted me once more, threatening my dreams of pursuing a career in education. This episode is a raw narrative of perseverance, revealing the ongoing struggle to transform oneself and strive for success against all odds. Whether you're grappling with your own setbacks or searching for motivation to keep pushing forward, my story serves as a testament that change is possible, and your past does not have to dictate your future. Keep going, don't quit, and let's tackle life's challenges together.

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Transcript

Sterling D. Brown: 0:38
Welcome to another episode of the Struggle2Success Podcast. I’m your host, Sterling Brown. Before I start, I just want to share that the show has reached over 59 downloads across 14 cities, as far as Missouri and Boardman, Oregon. I’m so excited that so many people are connecting with the message.

About two weeks ago, I got some much-needed encouragement from a good friend of mine at the gym. While we were talking, I mentioned I had finally gotten my podcast running. His only words were, “Keep going.” Those encouraging words stayed with me all day. But it also had me thinking—how many times do we start projects, and later we’re looking for the exit, pushing that “hot idea” to the back burner? But what if all we needed was something as simple as keep going? Pushing through that task, that project—the process of one more hour, one more day.

So whatever you’re trying to accomplish, I want you to keep going. No, I need you to keep going. Don’t quit. Now, let’s get into the episode.

Sterling D. Brown: 1:45
Everyone has a past—moments or chapters filled with poor judgment. Between 1996 and 2000, mine included felonies, misdemeanors, and bouts of disorderly conduct. I thought I was escaping the violence and negative behavior of Philadelphia, but the truth is, I brought all those issues with me. Being transparent about my past is crucial for my forward momentum. No matter how significant my issues seemed, I had to either be part of the solution or revert to being part of the problem in our society.

I began listening to my inner voice urging me to make better choices and committed to becoming a better version of myself. Yet I struggled with regret over my past, especially when I would see youth hanging on corners, hustling—convinced, as I once was, that the fast life was the only way out. I used to think, “I’m only selling marijuana.” I didn’t fully consider the impact of my actions on others. I was just too caught up.

Sterling D. Brown: 2:47
Later, I learned I was going to be a father. I had no idea how to be a father—I never had one in my life. I had just seen my biological father after 26 years, who was serving a life sentence. My closest experience to fatherhood came from my foster mother. As for the few men who came in and out of my biological mom’s life, they were all trash.

I was determined to be a great dad and leader for my family, yet the mother of my child remained tied to the streets. I was trying to leave those individuals and places behind, but she disregarded my efforts to become a better man and responsible father. Ultimately, that led to our permanent separation.

Sterling D. Brown: 3:28
I moved to York, PA, and then to Reading, PA, to finish college. After completing an associate’s degree in early childhood education and while in the process of transferring to graduate school, I received an email inviting me to a meeting with a senior official at the university I had applied to.

I imagined this grand acceptance based on my high grades and honor society recognition at my previous college. I remember entering his office and being complimented on my suit as I sat across from him. I expressed my appreciation and eagerness to become a distinguished graduate. Yet, I could feel something off about his smile, and as if he couldn’t hold it in any longer, he asked about my criminal history—which I had disclosed on my application.

I acknowledged that it was a time of weakness and poor decisions, and I explained that I had learned to embrace struggle and keep moving forward. He then asked if I had considered a different major other than teaching. I replied no—the thought hadn’t crossed my mind. He said, with a straight face, “Sterling, I have the utmost respect for your honesty on your application, but I’m saddened to inform you that I cannot offer you this major in education due to your felony conviction.”

I’ll never forget that feeling of defeat. I maintained my composure and continued our conversation, still wanting to teach.

Sterling D. Brown: 4:48
Some time later, I went back to school and obtained the necessary credits to become a pre-K center director. Later, I was informed about an opportunity with the Reading School District for a paraprofessional position. After applying, I was interviewed by a panel. After an hour and a half of situational and educational questions, I was asked if I had anything to add before the interview concluded.

I looked around the room, made contact with all six panel members, and said: “There was a time in my life when I made poor decisions that resulted in a criminal history. I have since learned from those experiences and prepared a copy of my past history in my folder for your review.”

I was thanked for my honesty and escorted to the exit. I felt confident in God’s plan.

Sterling D. Brown: 5:35
Two days later, I received a call for a follow-up interview with the human resources director. The meeting was brief. She said: “Sterling, with everything you’ve been through and accomplished since your legal issues, it would be a crime if you didn’t seek to have your past pardoned and expunged.” She then offered me the job.

I left that day replaying her words in my head, wondering why I hadn’t known this information. That director was moved by my resilience and wanted to help me help myself. In the weeks that followed, I secured a meeting with the Board of Education. I learned that the information I had been told by that university official was totally incorrect—I still could pursue a degree in education.

Even better, I discovered that the Board of Pardons was located in the same building, only a few floors down.

Sterling D. Brown: 6:28
Between working full-time for the Reading School District and taking a part-time job at the Reading Parking Authority, I continued my college classes in Pottstown, PA. I filed the necessary documents to start the process with the Board of Pardons.

A year later, I received correspondence from the Board of Parole requesting a home visit and an application review. I was thrilled and looked forward to the visit. Eventually, I had the visit and was told my application would be submitted for review and, if approved, it would go before a panel. If rejected, I would need to reapply.

I received a unanimous 5-0 vote in my favor.

Sterling D. Brown: 7:08
On December 18, 2019, I stood before the Board of Pardons at the Capitol in Harrisburg, filled with so much emotion. I had convinced myself that regardless of the outcome, I would at least have the opportunity to seek forgiveness for my past and express my gratitude for this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

I entered that conference room at 9 a.m., and by 5 p.m., my felonies had been pardoned. The Board of Pardons contacted me and informed me that I would need to meet with an attorney to have my records expunged with the state police. A month later, my lawyer informed me that my records had been expunged.

To think I had prepared myself to live under this dark cloud for the rest of my life—listen, don’t let your past define you. Long ago, I decided I never wanted to revert back to that young man named Quill, lost in the streets.

Sterling D. Brown: 8:01
Reflecting on this journey, I realized how essential it was to remain resilient even when the odds seemed insurmountable. Each step, from balancing work and school to navigating the legal process, tested my commitment to change and personal growth.

This experience taught me that our past does not have to define our future. We all have the power to rewrite our stories, seek redemption, and strive for a life filled with meaning. This pardon signifies more than just a legal victory—it symbolizes renewed hope and the opportunity to build a brighter future.

I stand as a testament to the power of perseverance and the possibility of redemption. Moving forward, I am committed to using this second chance to contribute positively to my community and help others on a similar journey.

Sterling D. Brown: 9:00
When my children make mistakes, I often pull them into the room, discuss what happened, and encourage them to share their perspective. But ultimately, I tell them to make better choices. This led me to ponder—how many times have we stood at the crossroads of choices, hearing that inner voice say make better choices, yet still taking the wrong path?

Your brain says to go right, but your feet want to walk left. So, if you’re listening today and you’ve made mistakes or feel trapped in the weight of your past, remember this—you have the power to change your journey.

My journey wasn’t easy, far from it, but each struggle brought a lesson, and each setback was a chance for growth.

Sterling D. Brown: 9:44
Redemption isn’t about erasing the past. It’s about building a future you can be proud of—one choice at a time. It’s about refusing to let your past define you and choosing every single day to be a better version of yourself.

So the next time you find yourself at the crossroads, take a breath, listen to that voice, and make better choices.

In our next episode, I’ll discuss overcoming anxiety, so be sure to listen in. And hey—leave me a comment letting me know what you think about the podcast so far. Stay strong, and believe me when I say success is on the other side. And remember—life is trials. Stay focused.

Announcement: 10:26
Thanks for checking out this episode of the Struggle2Success Podcast. To connect with the show, you can email us at struggle2success.p@gmail.com. Make sure you like and subscribe so that you never miss an episode. And remember—life is trials. Stay focused.