This is a compelling story you won't soon forget. Andy Lopez grew up in New York City as a first generation American from a tight-knit Dominican Republic family. He adores his mother, who single-handedly raised him and his 5 brothers. Gang life was the only life. He lived by the street code. Andy paints a vivid picture that gives us deeper insight into what attracts kids on the street to this lifestyle. Andy served two stints in prison, the first for 4 years, the second for 12. Ultimately, Andy chose to "drop the flag" of gang life during his second prison term and refocused all that energy into achieving his Associate's Degree through NYU's Prison Education Program. He currently resides in California with his brother and is working on finishing his Bachelor's Degree in Restorative Justice. I have no doubt that Andy's incredible light will touch many people in this world as he shares his gift of compassion with everyone he encounters.