You are talking on the phone in your bedroom. Suddenly, police officers enter the room. They put handcuffs around your wrists. "We are arrestingStopped by the police and taken to a police station, because they think you may have committed a crime. you for the murder of ..."

It sounds extraordinary. But this is what happened to Kenny Imafidon when he was 18. He was accusedClaim that someone has done something wrong. of murdering a boy from his school in PeckhamA district of south-east London., London.

The arrest changed everything. Imafidon had been a good student. He was hoping to go to university. Now he was in prison - even though he knew he was innocentAn innocent person has done nothing wrong. .

In the end, the judgeThe person in a court of law who decides how the law should be applied. found there was not enough evidenceSomething which proves that something else is true. against him.

Since then he has founded a successful research agency, met business leaders, politicians and members of the royal family.

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

Even though he has had a successful life, he is still angry about his teenage experience. But, as his book ends: "Writing this helped set me free."⁴

Is adversityHard times or difficulties. the best teacher?

Yes! Nobody wants to face hardship. But if you can overcome any problems you face, you will become a stronger and more resilientTough or able to cope with difficulty. person.

No! Many people who face hardship as children never fully recover. Imafidon's story is inspiring - but it is not proof that struggles make you successful.