You are talking on the phone in your bedroom. Suddenly, police officers enter the room. Someone slaps handcuffs around your wrists and marches you into a vehicle. "We are arresting you for the murder of ..."

This was the experience of Kenny Imafidon at the age of 18. A teenage boy from his school in PeckhamA district of south-east London., London, had been killed. Imafidon was charged with murder, attempted murder, attempted grievous bodily harm and possession of a firearm.¹

The Peckham Imafidon grew up in was dangerous. But he was a good student who hoped to study at a top university, until the legal case risked everything. Even though he knew he was innocent, he spent six months in prison, because "I was part of this group of young Black men".²

In the end, the judge found there was not enough evidence against him. Since then he has founded a successful research and insights agency, met business leaders, politicians and members of the royal family.

But he has never forgotten his time in prison. Earlier this year, he published That Peckham Boy, a memoirNon-fiction writing based on the author's memories. describing his difficult childhood and the problems with the legal system.

Some think that overcoming problems makes people more determined.

But, for all the inspiring stories of people who overcome challenges, many more never recover. This is the argument made by Rob Henderson, a writer who grew up with abusive foster parentsSomeone who temporarily cares for a child, usually because their parents cannot. .³

In the case of Imafidon, none of his later achievements stopped him from feeling angry about the justice system. But, as his memoir concludes: "Writing this helped set me free."⁴

Is adversity the best teacher?

Yes: Nobody wants a setback early in life. But, if you can overcome obstacles, you will prove yourself to be a more resilient person. Great art, for example, often emerges out of great tragedy.

No: Most people whose early lives are marked by struggles never fully recover. A few inspiring examples hide the long-term damage these hardships can cause.

Or... Disappointments in childhood and adolescence can make people more determined. But their later achievements will not replace their early hurt; that requires forgiveness and understanding.