Dortell Williams
Credit: Julie Leopo-Bermudez / EdSource
I graduated from high school with a 2.85 GPA. Then I graduated summa cum laude as an undergraduate, with a 3.93 GPA — while in prison.
I earned both GPAs.
In high school, I was a class clown. I did anything to avoid academics or the trauma they engendered. I was bullied for being slow in math and reading early on, called names like “dummy.” School was an immense challenge for me. I hated it.
Little did I know then, but I was distracted by the traumatizing effects of domestic violence occurring at home.
These early adverse experiences in childhood affected my entire education process, ironically, until I was incarcerated.
In high school, I approached my counselor and explained that, on the verge of graduating, I was at a crossroads. I wanted to explore college opportunities. With wire-rimmed spectacles assisting his hard blue eyes, Mr. Franklin promptly…
