Just a few years ago, you couldn't imagine to be where you are today. >> not at all. never in a million years. it was just a great experience to have. >> that's because you had some challenges growing up and had to deal with some tough circumstances as a young man. >> yes. >> can you expand on that? >> yes. well, at the age of 16, i was incarcerated. and i was facing seven years upstate. but instead the judge sentenced me to a six-month case program. through that case program, they gave paid interships and they asked what is it i love to do. i told them i really love to act and dance. so they ...