Marcus’ life had been consumed with drugs, alcohol and poor choices.  He came to Bar None feeling depressed and not knowing what to expect.  However, Marcus adjusted well to the rules and expectations presented to him. 

Marcus said, “After talking to peers and staff, I realized I needed to be here.  I realized it was time for change.” 

Marcus’ life was not always so difficult.  He was an intelligent young man who, even as a teen, had dabbled in web design and development with some success.  However, Marcus’ poor choices soon led him to out-of-home placement and away from the path of success, leaving Marcus with little hope for his future.  Marcus did not think that he could go to college due to his history of truancy from school and eventually dropping out entirely.  However, when he was contacted by Full Sail College in Winter Park, Florida, Marcus saw a ray of hope.  He applied and was accepted.  The only thing that he needed was his diploma or GED. 

During his placement at Bar None, staff helped Marcus with transportation to Anoka Technical School to take his GED tests.  That spring, Marcus received his GED, obtained financial aid and found a roommate to share living expenses. 

Upon his discharge, Marcus went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Animation, focusing on special effects for movies and video games. 

When asked what he learned at Bar None, Marcus said, “You can relieve your problems by talking to other people.”  Furthermore, he explained he would stay clean and sober, would join community sports leagues, find a part-time job, attend AA meetings, keep busy in school and find new friends. 

“Now, I’m doing what I want to do,” said Marcus proudly. With many suggestions for others who might be going through hard times, Marcus advised, “I would recommend that people who have drug and alcohol problems get into AA because it can help.  Don’t give up.  I did everything I could to get where I am going now.  Anything is possible.”  He continued, “It takes work, but in the end it is the greatest feeling in the world to know you have accomplished your goal.  People are happy with me and I am happy with me.  A year ago, I would have never thought I would be in this position, but look at me now,” Marcus concluded.