Like many American youth, renowned actor John Leguizamo struggled to find his own voice, even as he struggled with pressures at school, at home and in his neighborhood. Society might have easily written him off as another “at risk” hyper, smart-alecky kid from a tough neighborhood and a challenging family – a ghetto klown – with no future. But, Leguizamo leans into acting and writing to forge himself a new pathway. In this lesson, students examine the way Leguizamo embraces creativity to not only make sense of challenges in his home and community, but ultimately forges a new path for his future. Lastly, students reflect on their own response to adversity and consider whether and how creativity has a role.