"Are your eyes red?" Scot Anthony Robinson's mother called out to him as he entered the house. "No mom, something fell in my eyes", he would often reply as he was running into his room.

Like many teenagers who began smoking weed at an early age, Scott Robinson knew the ways to hide his habits from his loving parents.

Despite what others might say, not everyone can state that they've conquered some of life's hardest obstacles and survived to tell about it. Scot Robinson is living proof to that statement. His story is rare, special and inspirational.

Only a chosen few can confess to "being through it all". These individuals, given the power of experience, are the angels and leaders of our society.

Facing peer pressure and desperately wanting to feel needed by his peers was why Robinson started smoking. By the age 11 he was smoking regularly. Robinson faced fearful problems in high school, having to financially support himself without family support. By college, he had become an alcoholic and was using drugs on a daily basis. Finally, unable to perform well in school he droped out.

Shortly after quitting college he became one with drugs. His thirst and hunger for drugs increased. He disregarded the loved ones in his life and directed his attention towards alcohol and drugs.

In denial that he needed help, Robinson isolated himself by briefly moving to California. He contacted Wesley Snipes, a college friend who later realized his drug and alcohol habits. Snipes soon disassociated himself from Robinson and their friendship ended.

Robinson moved back to N.Y. only to face more problems. He became homeless and started selling drugs to support his habit. He worked a double shift, hustling on Manhattan's Lower East Side while spending free time smoking and snffing drugs.

Soon he developed an infection in his hand that needed special attention. Homeless and still in denial, he was afraid to go to a hospital for care. A long time friend suggested to meet him, and she later convinced him to go to the hospital for help, which led to the start of his recovery.

During his stay at the hospital, Robinson attended a rehabilitation program for a year and a half. It was there when a dramatic twist of fate turned his life around for the better. While recovering, his desire to live and to help others grew trememdously. He graduated from the program a new person, devoted and determined to educate youth about the dangers of drugs. With the hands-on experience of nearly losing his life he was indeed a person to listen to.

" Vision Warrior " was what Robinson was later known as. Through acting, a skill he gained while growing up, he was able to portray his experience on the streets. As a result, he developed an interactional program titled "Vision Warrior," illustrating his life on the streets in a way that everyone can relate. Robinson roamed throughout the school sytem in New York showcasing his vital message.

Overcoming unbelieveable odds, it's not easy to define the strength and courage of Robinson's achievement. His story mesmorizes and overwhelms one with joy and inspiration that one should never quit, despite the circumstances. Always look foward to better days is what he says, and remember that "YOU CAN HANDLE IT".

Robinson's Vision Warrior performance was very effective. His story deals with real life experiences, moments and situations that he lived through and is fortunate to tell about. Compared with other so-called drug prevention programs that only dictate statistics to kids, Robinson's performance deals with direct interaction with the audience. What's even more important is that it's a true story.

Being an addict for 20 years, Robinson often finds himself engaging in past thoughts that might effect his present day life. The concept of Rational Emotive therapy is a series of mental therapy steps he teaches to deal with life's issues. In his teachings, he preeches to the youth on how to use positive forces against the negative ones. With this in mind, he hopes that kids can realize how their lives and the lives of those who love them are being effected by drugs. Robinson still find's time to dedicates his time to the youth of the community.

As teenagers and adults we can relate to the experiences of peer pressure. We feel pressure to do things unwillingly leaving us feeling dissapointment in ourselves. Mr. Robinson's story, expresses many if not all the societal pitfalls one can expect to encounter. From smoking his first joint at the age of eleven, to selling drugs, losing close friends due to drugs and alcohol, and even being homeless, Mr. Robinson has survived it all.

Hearing his experiences, one might question how he survived. Indeed, if it were not for the help of God, he surely might have perish. Beyond that, we must all recognize Mr. Robinson as a warrior. A warrior with a vision.