Zo describes himself as a leader. The 25-year-old leads by example and has high expectations for his future.

“I’m ready to position myself in a way to do some great things,” Zo said. “I have a lot of stuff that I want to do, thanks to READI Chicago.”

Zo joined READI Chicago in September 2017, shortly after being released from jail. Upon his release, Zo worked jobs here and there, but said it was easier to make money in the streets than in a legitimate job.

“Until I had the chance to learn about some other aspects of life, I really felt like I was going to be running the streets forever,” Zo said.

Zo says “Control-Alt-Delete,” or the cognitive behavioral therapy portion of the READI Chicago program, has helped him confront his impulses and emotions.

“I just became a sponge and soaked up everything READI Chicago had for me, and it’s working out,” Zo said. “Now, I’m ready to position myself in a way to do some great things with my life.”

After completing READI Chicago, Zo hopes to earn his commercial driver’s license and eventually own his own trucking company. He also wants to go to school to earn business licenses and an associate’s degree in psychology.

“I value education dearly, even though what I went through in my childhood didn’t allow me to grab hold of that the way I should have,” Zo said. “When I have children, I don’t want to deprive them of that opportunity.”

Produced by READI Chicago, with interviews recorded by StoryCorps, a national nonprofit whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives.

Below: Zo (right) with job coach Raqueal (left)