We Beat the Street: How A Friendship Pact Led to Success

It is clear to George early on that dentistry appeals to him most, though it does mean that he has to part ways with Rameck and Sampson for the latter part of his study. Of the three friends, George has the fewest entanglements with poor decision making and no close calls with the law, though he grows up in the same environment of theft and drug addiction. George is often the voice of reason, reminding Rameck and Sampson not to chase after immaterial dreams, such as the fantasy of becoming celebrated rappers.

Sampson’s emergency room trip to fix his broken foot at age six stays with him his whole life and inspires him to work in emergency medicine. He, too, is led astray by neighborhood friends, who encourage him to steal and try drugs. Though he resists the temptation to use or sell drugs, the idea of getting rich quick continues to appeal to him. As a very young kid, he shoplifts items he cannot afford; when he is older, he still dreams of easy money, attained by taking from those doing illegal things or becoming a music star. He struggles to find his place in med school but gets through with the support of his friends and ends up working in the setting where he first became inspired to practice medicine: a Newark ER.

Rameck’s grandmother stands by him when others fail to defend him. His mother, who is addicted to drugs, confiscates money that would help him get ahead in theater. His principal wants to place him in special ed because she views him as a nuisance. It is Ma’s grandmotherly devotion to Rameck and her belief in his ability that gives him the confidence to keep trying. She makes sure he gets back into a school that will place him in Gifted and Talented courses and continues to support him along the way.

Sampson learns a lot from Reggie, a local man who has studied martial arts, though he doesn’t learn the kung-fu moves he expects to be taught. Instead, Reggie teaches Sampson to control his mind and to focus inwardly when feeling stressed and threatened. The lessons Reggie offers are not about fighting so much as they are focused on philosophy, self-defense and on building strength—both mental and physical.

George’s third-grade teacher is a true inspiration to him. She encourages her students to dream big and to look beyond the limits of their lives. She introduces them to theater and the arts, reading Shakespeare with them and taking them to the orchestra. When George feels demoralized by a woman who asks about his school “in the ghetto,” she tells George to take heart and remember all the places his talent and intellect can take him.