Book excerpt: Ever since she was a small child Charisse Hawkins wanted to become a doctor, but unlike many other girls who were the product of a single parent household in her tough Brooklyn neighbourhood, Charisse had more than just a dream. She had a clear vision and an unwavering fear of becoming another statistic. Charisse made it all the way through school, popular and happy, until she met the man who would change everything. When Charisse discovered she was pregnant, it seemed that her dreams were shattered. This coming-of-age tale is a journey of life lessons.