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Kaprice Wilson

A truancy and intervention officer at Oakland High who acts like a mentor or mother figure to struggling students.

Family Motto

“Never let your obstacles become more important than your goal,” a rule Kaprice teaches her students to stay focused on success.

Safe Zone Office

Kaprice’s office where students feel safe, share problems, and receive support, encouragement, and second chances.

Richard’s Home Life

Richard lives with his mother Jasmine and cousins after a relative’s murder, making the house crowded and stressful.

Jasmine

Richard’s mother who had him at fourteen and works hard while praying for his safety and a better future.

Richard’s Personality

A funny, caring, and observant teen who loves to joke but also struggles with trauma and loss.

Small Academic Wins

Richard’s progress from failing to passing grades, showing slow improvement and growing motivation.

Heartbreak Kidz

The nickname for Richard and his close group of friends who often got into trouble together.

2012 Fight

A large school fight that led to the arrest of Richard and friends, changing their lives and separating them.

Juvenile System

The court and group

Group Home in Redding

A youth facility where Richard was sent for over a year as part of juvenile rehabilitation.

Skeet

Richard’s close friend who ran away from a group home and was tragically killed in early 2013.

Community Violence

Oakland’s frequent youth shootings and gang conflicts that constantly threaten young people’s safety.

“Bullets Don’t Have Names”

A phrase showing how random and unavoidable gun violence feels in the community.

Stripped Incident

Richard being robbed at gunpoint after returning home, deepening his trauma and mistrust.

Trust Issues

Richard’s belief that he has no real friends, only “associates,” due to betrayal and fear.

Unity Council Internship

A job training program Richard completed successfully, showing his work ethic and potential for change.

Resilience

Richard’s determination to keep improving and overcome his struggles despite constant setbacks.

Mentorship and Support

The positive influence of adults like Kaprice who guide and care for students in difficult situations.

Violence and Loss

A recurring theme showing how neighborhood violence destroys families and friendships.

Education and Opportunity

Represents how school and work programs can give at