"We do not have to be victims of our own stories...but interestingly enough stories are a way out [our suffering]. We hold the power to change our story."

Sammy Rangel ended his ted talk leaving the stage with a standing ovation. He shared some stories of his childhood which was filled with so much abuse and neglect that it's hard not to empathize with story of what lead him to a 7 year prison sentence in solitary confinement.

Sammy is the founder of Formers Anonymous, a self-help group for criminals and addicts who are looking for support on how to change and recover from their addictive behavior. His story is extraordinary – being a victim of childhood physical, mental and sexual abuse, he lived most of his juvenile life as a homeless throwaway child, who very quickly encountered drugs, crime, sex, and violence in the street. He has enhanced his credibility by overcoming addiction and recovering from a life of gangs, violence and maximum-security prison to become a college-graduate, a street-savvy counselor, a mentor and now a father of four. Having graduated with Presidential honours and Summa Cum Laude, Sammy holds a Master of Social Work Degree and has earned several awards. His autobiographical book, FOURBEARS: The Myths of Forgiveness is not simply a graphically illustrated memoir, but also a ‘manual’, as it goes in depth concerning the steps it takes to forgive, change and recover.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx