‘I didn’t think I would be alive at 18’: Once hopeless teen becomes an inspiration to others

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The basketball court is where 18-year-old Tayshaun Lotharp feels most at home.

“I’m in here every day,” Tayshaun said.

He spends his time sharpening his skills with his little brothers and also being an inspiration to them.

“Them seeing me now, make me happy,” Tayshaun said with a smile on his face.

Just a few years ago, things were much different for the teen.

“I feel like they were ashamed of telling their friends that I was their brother because I used to be a bad kid,” Tayshaun said.

We first met Tayshaun last July when he had recently moved to Arkansas and was having a difficult time.

“I was still hanging with a bad crowd,” Tayshaun said. “I didn’t think I would be alive at 18.”

Mentor Match: Boys & Girls Club employee goes beyond the job to mentor teen

He said he was going down the wrong path until he met Andre Bradley. Andre works at the Penick Boys & Girls Club in Little Rock. He quickly became Tayshaun’s mentor and even invited the teen to move into his house.

“I thought I was going to be homeless for the rest of my life and him allowing me to come stay with them, it really meant a lot to me,” Tayshaun said.

One year later, Tayshaun has a new outlook on life. In fact, he was recently named Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arkansas and got to represent the state.

“I felt confident like I was able to do it, so when I did it, I felt great. It was a fun experience,” Tayshaun said.

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His mentor Andre sees the growth.

“He’s not just a mentee. He is my son,” Andre said about Tayshaun. “All I ask for is for you to do what you’re supposed to do and when I help, I want you to help yourself also and he’s been doing that.”

Tayshaun is also paying it forward. A teen who once was the quiet kid who sat alone is now someone the younger kids look up to and respect. Tayshaun is still living with Andre and is on track to finish high school this upcoming school year.

After graduation, he hopes to go to college or trade school for welding and start his own company.

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