On Thursday, November 7, North Providence High School students had the opportunity to meet Chris Herren, a former Celtics player who came to the auditorium to share his powerful story. Herren was a drug addict for twelve years, and today, he travels the country sharing his story in hopes of inspiring teenagers to lead substance-free lives and avoid traveling down the same path he once did. He never would have imagined that his weekends of partying in high school would have led to him becoming a drug addict. Herren himself admitted, “At 18 years old, I truly believed I was above it.” He never felt that he was good enough just being the person that he was, and substances were the key to making him feel better.
Growing up in Fall River, Massachusetts, Herren was the basketball star of his town. There was no question that he would go on to be a professional, but while attending Boston College on scholarship, he was kicked out for drug usage. He then went to Fresno State University in California where he continued playing basketball. He went on live his dream as a professional player for the Boston Celtics but his drug usage became increasingly heavier. After traveling down a long, winding road of drug addiction that threatened his life, Herren has been drug-free for over five years. Since then, he launched Hoop Dreams With Chris Herren, and travels the country sharing his powerful story.
While in the auditorium, Herren scanned the crowd, staring at the faces of students who were entranced by the power of his story. Some cried and many could not tear their gaze from this man. He then challenged students to ask themselves, “What is it about you that you can’t be you?” He went on to reveal that ninety percent of people who suffer from addictions started their usage during their teenage years.
After sharing various stories from his visits across the country, Chris Herren has thoroughly made his intentions to help others clear. Before opening the floor to questions, Herren reassured us, “You kids are perfect just the way you are.” Overall, Chris Herren is grateful for the opportunity to help teenagers lead substance-free lives.
By: Stephanie Ranucci
