A Prairie View A&M University scholar is set to release an autobiographical narrative titled “A Young Man with a Plan,” which may be turned into a big screen movie, later this month.
Joseph Rivers, a sophomore biology major, will release the first book of his four-part series Nov. 16. The book, based on his life and the hardship he had to overcome, was written to inspire and motivate others to overcome and strive for success. It is currently available for pre-sale at Barnes and Noble with over 12,000 copies already ordered.
“Determined, motivated, and confident” are just a few words to describe the young author from Long Beach, Calif.
Rivers has already been a guest on the Steve Harvey Morning Show and will also make an appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show to promote his book.
Rivers was raised by his grandmother after his biological mother passed when he was very young. His grandmother emphasized the importance of education.
In the second grade, Rivers created a plan for his life and decided that no obstacle would stand in his way. He took this idea and his grandmother’s teachings and ran with it.
Upon graduation from high school, he received 41 scholarships totaling more than $3 million. With more than enough money for his education, Rivers gave away 10 of the scholarships to other students in need. Rivers excelled and was awarded the Bill Gates Scholarship, which gave him access to nearly any college or university in the United States.
He began his studies at UCLA and later committed 2 semesters to Harvard. He then decided to explore the opportunities that PVAMU has to offer.
He has completed over 2,000 hours of community service through mentoring, speaking at local high schools, tutoring, reaching out to children, and volunteering at hospitals. He says that wherever there is a service needed, he is there.
Rivers wants to be remembered as an inspirational person who turned young adults’ lives around. Initially, writing books was Rivers back-up plan.
He plans on being a psychiatrist and continuing to write books. Rivers wants PVAMU students and the world to look at him as an example. He says, “I plan to inspire by being an example.”
For more information about his book, visit www.josephanthonyrivers.com.