<![CDATA[Bald Man and Humans

<![CDATA[Bald Man and Humans - Story Vault]]>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:43:15 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Violence Was a Big Part of Who I Was ...]]>Mon, 06 Jun 2016 06:51:13 GMThttp://www.baldmanandhumans.com/story-vault/so-it-begins

John | Falls Church, VA

What was your most challenging struggle?

I grew up in and around a lot of violence in my early 20's. I was an active member of neo- Nazi skinheads. I don't remember how many times I got in trouble with the law. I ended up in jail a few times and served a year long sentence. Nothing was going right. I was a troubled soul.

How did you cope with it?

I started thinking hard about my life. I started putting things in perspective. I knew it's going to be extremely difficult but there were triggers that motivated me to leave this chaos behind. I decided to go to a local community college and registered at NOVA. I finished all my credits, transferred to Williams and Mary and got my degree in Political Science. Life is on track. I have a great job. I couldn't be happier.

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell someone who is going through a similar situation?

Think really hard about your best interests. Do not be deterred by the work that's involved.

]]><![CDATA[I am a marine, I will keep moving forward]]>Sun, 29 May 2016 06:08:50 GMThttp://www.baldmanandhumans.com/story-vault/i-am-a-marine-i-will-keep-moving-forward

Gabriel, Santa Rosa, CA

What was your most challenging struggle?

I am 48 years old. I am an ex Marine. I was recently working as a manager at local Costco. A few months ago, I took my daughter to the local library. She asked me to look at some book. I turned around and had a stroke. I don't remember what happened afterwards. I do know I was flown into the hospital. When I woke up, my whole life had changed. I struggle with my speech now. My brain doesn't connect with my words. Sometimes I forget what I am trying to say mid-sentence. I am told, I can't cook, swim or drive unless someone is standing next to me. It's challenging. I don't know how long my recovery will take. I am hoping that the doctors will give me a work release so I can go back to work.

How are you coping with it?

I go through it. It's frustrating. It's not easy. I am a marine, I will keep moving forward. I don't feel sorry for myself. I still do what I want to do though I am told I can't do everything I focus on the things I can do.

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell someone who is going through a similar situation?

I will say, don't let one setback bring you down. Keep moving forward. Don't let one incident define you as a person.

]]><![CDATA[Identify the ones who truly love you]]>Sun, 29 May 2016 05:32:00 GMThttp://www.baldmanandhumans.com/story-vault/identify-the-ones-that-truly-love-you

Christina

Alexandria, VA

What was your most challenging struggle?

When I was 15, my parents went through a painful divorce. I couldn't understand it or make sense of it. I was very angry at them. At myself. I felt I didn't have anyone to belong. My younger siblings were ten years younger than me so I felt I had to take care of them on top of everything else I was dealing with. It was hard. Very hard. I turned into a rebel. Though, they were trying to be supportive I didn't believe them.

How did you cope with it?

I didn't know how to cope with it. I turned into a rebel. I said and did things to hurt them. I am not proud of it.

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell someone who is going through a similar situation?

Identify the people who truly love you and support you and accept them as they are. I wish I had done that sooner. It's not easy when you are going through the struggle but people who truly love you and care for you will consistently show up.

]]><![CDATA[I came to United States with $100 in my pocket]]>Mon, 23 May 2016 08:24:27 GMThttp://www.baldmanandhumans.com/story-vault/i-came-to-united-states-with-100-in-my-pocket

Weronika, Philadelphia, PA (Originally from Poland)

What was your most challenging struggle?

I came to United States from Poland with two suitcases and $100 in my pocket. I didn't know anyone. I knew I will have to figure it all out but I was up for the challenge. I wanted to finish my schooling and become someone.

How did you cope with it?

I didn't have to cope with it. I accepted it. I knew I will have to go through this to accomplish what I wanted to accomplish.

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell someone who is going through a similar situation?

[We got sidetracked and never made it to this question. Weronika, if you are reading this, shoot me an email and answer this question. ;) ]

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