As a career advisor and former admissions counselor for a large university, Chapreese PenningtonWillis has helped coach students through any number of barriers: “I don’t have enough time; It’s too expensive; I have other commitments.” But when one future student named “shame” as his roadblock, Chapreese’s world changed. That one phone call brought to light her own dirty little secret — one she kept hidden for over 20 years — and became the catalyst to reach a goal she didn’t think was possible.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx'>https://www.ted.com/tedx Chapreese PenningtonWillis is an educator, confidant, and adventurer. She joins TEDxSNHU from the Career Advising department at Southern New Hampshire University where she supports student success and outcomes. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx'>https://www.ted.com/tedx