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Caroline teen in college, not trouble
Caroline man headed down the wrong path has turned his life around; now he's going to college
Date published: 8/15/2009
BY PORTSIA SMITH Jail or death. A few years ago, those were the only options Marcel Anderson thought he had in his future. The 18-year-old Caroline County native was suspended so many times for fighting that he missed more school days than he attended. As a result, he failed the ninth grade. Not once. Not twice. But three times. He was headed down a dark path. But two events--both tragic--helped him turn his life around. 'SHE DIDN'T ANSWER' Marcel hadn't always been a troubled kid. He was the youngest of three children, and the first boy born into his large family. Because of that he grew up spoiled and used to getting his way. He was close to his mother, and they could talk about anything. In July 2005, Marcel and his family were getting ready to attend a wedding. "That morning we called her on her cell phone and she didn't answer," Marcel said about his mother, Iris. "Later on we got the news." His mother's body was found behind a building on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. She had been violently murdered. She was 37. Marcel was 14 at the time. Marcel doesn't know the details of her death. He's not interested in hearing them, either. "All I know is it was an incident with the man she was dating and she died at the hands of him," he said. Jamal Pleasants of Henrico County was convicted of her murder and sentenced to 30 years. "I just wanted to harm him," Marcel said. He developed an explosive temper. Anything would set him off. That's why he got into so many fights once he started high school that fall. "I lost my mother, so I didn't have that person that cared for me. So I didn't care about anything," he said. "I felt alone. The only thing that came around me was trouble." 'COULD HAVE BEEN ME' Marcel could have moved in with his father in Richmond, but he didn't want to. He felt closer to his mother in Caroline, where he had lived most of his life. Marcel's aunt, Faye Tillman, took him and his two older sisters in. Tillman also has two children of her own. They lived in a three-bedroom house on Riva Ridge Road in the Dawn area of Caroline.
Read more stories about Caroline Date published: 8/15/2009
Congrats
(posted by
flowerchild3
, Aug. 17, 2009 9:04 pm)
Sometimes we have to have challenges along the way & make our way through them. Wonderful outcome and all young people can do this if you seek out help and want it. God has his plan for all of us & this young man's Mom is smiling upon him. God Bless & I would love to have an update on his journey.
Parents love
(posted by
lee26
, Aug. 15, 2009 4:27 pm)
If a child is loved and made to feel he is precious to a parent soon or later that love will spring forth and support them in life. The first few years of life are very important in every child's life. They must have boundaries but they need lots of love and bond with their parents.
That worked for me . Of course God has a purpose for everyone.
There Are Still Good People Left In The World
(posted by
niteshiftprn
, Aug. 15, 2009 12:36 pm)
The Aunt, The Teacher and the Mentor. Thank God there are people out there willing to give some time to people to make this world a better place. Nice Story.
god
(posted by
pensfan71
, Aug. 15, 2009 11:10 am)
has a plan for this young man, no one could replace a mother but it sounds like the good lord has put the right people in his life, sky's the limit!
I cried too.
(posted by
oldlady
, Aug. 15, 2009 11:01 am)
This is one of the best stories I've read in years from this paper. I can feel this young man's pain. I too lost family members and was very angry and wanted to lash out. I am so proud of this young man and the FLS for having the guts to include this man's journey toward his Christian faith. This is a true fighter (w/o fists). He will be a big man and a mentor to others who struggle.
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