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Phillip Willis, III the first son of Phillip Jr. and Darlene V. Willis was born in East Oakland,
California. However his journey only begins there. Living in San Diego, North Carolina, and
currently Sacramento, has made Phillip well cultured. He likes to say, "I can talk to a factor
on any block, in any hood and in the next minute converse with the President on foreign policy."
This gift to communicate so well can be attributed to his parents who stressed education. Phillip
always realized the importance of education but being who he is he strayed away from the "normal"
path. Always the character in his classes and the "life of the party" during his college years,
it was not always the best thing for this self proclaimed "hard-head."
Phillip has always been very intelligent but struggled with the typical methods of learning in
his predominantly white high school. Trouble with teachers, other students, and staff landed
Phillip in his principal's office quite often. He was determined to do things his way at all
times, but as any wise man will tell you, one must listen more often then you talk. This was
not a message that stayed with Phillip until after his teenage years. But to many of his teachers'
surprise, Phillip graduated from Westview High School and was headed to North Carolina A&T in
Greensboro, North Carolina. In fact, he continues to be motivated by his negative math teacher who
boldly told him that he "would not succeed in life."
Coming from a strict household, where going out was a privilege and only given when you were doing
good in school, A&T was more of a 24/7 party then an institution of learning in Phil's eyes.
Barely going to class, selling drugs, partying until 4AM, getting high, and fighting all the time
was not indicative of a kid that wanted to prove his teachers wrong. After almost three years of
stupidity and wasted money, it was time for him to come back home to California.
Phillip now resides in Sacramento, CA where he is a Motivational Speaker to the youth and soon to
be teacher. He believes that success is a long road but with education and a focused mind, anyone
can achieve it. His message is so potent to the youth because most can relate to his story and the
things he has gone through. His hope is to reach youth and empower them through his struggles and
provide for them options to a brighter future that they can control and beat the odds.
Manage to conquer every obstacle
Make impossible possible
Even when winnings illogical
Losing's still far from optional
T.I.-No matter what
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