- Description
Description
As seen on Humans of New York, Jonathan Conyers introduces us to the teachers, his debate coach, a homeless man, and a boy named Diego who changed his life. Booklist calls it "a moving story about finding your supporters and building your future."
Everybody was rooting for Jonathan Conyers after seeing his profile on Humans of New York went viral and sparked millions in donations to the Brooklyn Debate League. The kid who went from struggling to read to being a breakout star on his high school debate team, thanks to a life-changing friendship with his transgender debate coach, captured the heart of America. Jonathan's story highlights the important role teachers play in opening up worlds of opportunity for the most vulnerable students. In I Wasn't Supposed to Be Here, Jonathan shares the full story of his incredible journey escaping the precarious circumstances he was born into, and the teachers, mentors, and guides who helped him along the way.
Born into a family crippled by addiction and homelessness, Jonathan "failed" kindergarten and was told he would never succeed academically. But instead, Jonathan found ways to defy the limited expectations placed upon him by building a village to save his own life, and realize his dream to get into medical school.
Throughout this heartwarming memoir, we meet the unique and diverse cast of characters who made up Jonathan's village and helped him change the trajectory of his life.
Author: Jonathan Conyers
Publisher: Legacy Lit
Published: 09/05/2023
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 8.40h x 6.10w x 1.70d
ISBN13: 9781538742501
ISBN10: 1538742500
BISAC Categories:
- Biography & Autobiography | Personal Memoirs
- Education | Leadership
- Family & Relationships | Dysfunctional Families
About the Author
Jonathan Conyers is a respiratory therapist, specializing in neonates and pediatrics at New York University Langone Hospital. A graduate of Stony Brook University, he is a board member and coach at the Brooklyn Debate League and the co-founder of Synbara, the parent company of several non-traditional rehabilitation centers for youth. Conyers is the host of The Professional Winner podcast. He has been featured in New York Times, Washington Post, NBC New York, TEDxBronx, and more. He lives in New York City with his wife and three young children.
