Eight years ago, Frederick Shegog was homeless, and struggling with addiction and mental illness. Today, he is the founder of his own motivational speaking company bringing inspiration and hope to others, writes Matteo Iadonisi for 6abc.

“I found myself homeless, downtown dumpster diving, begging for change,” he said. “And I wanted to die. I had given up on life. I quit,” he said.

When a stranger showed kindness to Shegog, however, it inspired him to get treatment, earn a college degree and start his own business.

That business is “The Message, LLC,” through which he travels the country giving motivational speeches and acting as a consultant for educators, philanthropists, and legislators to help others also overcome their struggles.

He recently spoke at Montgomery County Community College, and he told 6abc, “So, I’m here today to share my story and let them know; inspire, educate and create, you can be whatever you want,” he said.

“It’s not how you start. It’s how you finish.”

Read more about Frederick Shegog’s journey from homeless to motivational speaker and his mission to help others at 6abc.

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