tuition. 81% of black college students graduate owing money on loans. >> good morning. today, i will be performing a monologue. >> reporter: a win at a national acting competition could lower the amount he needs in loans. >> i am my own man. >> reporter: church member, carl fields, is in the competition of his life, too, against a sea of younger men and women, all vying for the same jobs? >> you cannot complete the application without indicating your date of birth. it gives an employer an opportunity to weed you out. >> reporter: after 25 successful years rising through the ranks at an insurance brokerage firm to become a vice president, this is one position he never imagined he'd be in. >> i will print both of these out. it becomes part of my job application pile i have. >> lord, i know you have something special in store for me. >> reporter: he's confident god has a plan for him, even if he doesn't quite see it yet.