Many of us knew that child growing up &8212; when everyone would go left, that kid would go right. As time goes by, we often find our selves wondering what happened to that child. At least one of those children is now giving back to his community.

Wearing a shirt that reads &8220;I love my Hood,&8221; Bradley L. White, local rapper, Alabama Power employee and founder of the non-profit organization A Time to Share, smiles now when he thinks about all the things he has done in his past and what the future holds for him.

Never giving up may be clich/, but it has become somewhat of an anthem for White.

Like other troubled youth, White was kicked out of school, got in trouble with the law and a host of other things. But today White has left that behind him. Having graduated from job core with a degree in cement masonry and a GED, he now works for Alabama Power.

The one thing White hopes people learn from meeting him or knowing him is, &8220;No matter what everyone tells you always remember that you are someone, and you are important, so don&8217;t give up on your dream. Because it may not seem like you&8217;re getting anywhere now, but when you look back you&8217;ll be surprise to see just how far you have come.&8221;

When asked if he could go back and change all the things in his past, if he would, White only shakes his head and smiles.

Editor&8217;s note: Spotlighting Your Neighbor is a new feature in The Demopolis Times that runs in the weekend Serendipity section.