Dr Robert Garmston, a high school dropout, whose childhood is characterized by rejection, abandonment, and abuse sees himself as having a core of badness and as someone who is unlovable. In his childhood, he spends more time in group homes than with his adopted family, the same family that tries to reverse his adoption. The adrenalin of risk, adventure, and fear drive him. He finds little to trust in others and lives each day from a state of wariness. Life is unpredictable for him; he has to take care of himself because those who are supposed to protect him are unreliable. In spite of his youthful experiences, he earns advanced degrees and creates a human development program used throughout the world. As an influential educator, he mesmerizes audiences with his intellect. This book details the challenges of his childhood and his journey out of the despair of his drinking years into a university professor and esteemed innovator of educational programs. This is a must read for anyone working with youth. The story of resilience inspires hope in each of us.