When we returned to the United States, my mind was made up. I will join the Peace Corps and return to the Dominican Republic. Therefore, during my senior year at City College, I was occupied applying for the Peace Corps and selecting DR as my first choice.
“From the Projects to the Peace Corps to the Professoriate: A Traveling Memoir,” a moving memoir that follows Dr. Thomas O. Edwards from a childhood in segregated housing projects to international travel, humanitarian work, and a successful academic career. Through stories of hardship, cultural discovery, education, and personal growth, the book shows how determination and curiosity can completely reshape a person’s life. Proudly published by Citi of Books, this is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retail platforms.
Dr. Thomas O. Edwards is an accomplished author, educator, and world traveler whose life experiences inspired his memoir, From the Projects to the Peace Corps to the Professoriate. Originally from New Bern, North Carolina, and later raised in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Edwards built a distinguished academic career after earning degrees from City College of New York, New York University, and the City University of New York. His experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica and his extensive international travels greatly shaped his perspective on culture, education, and personal growth.
Throughout his career, Dr. Edwards served in numerous leadership and teaching roles at Medgar Evers College and was actively involved in professional and cultural organizations. His travels across Africa, Latin America, and Europe became the foundation for his memoir, which chronicles his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected professor and global citizen. Through his writing, Dr. Edwards shares powerful lessons about perseverance, education, cultural understanding, and the life-changing impact of travel.
What if the places we come from don’t determine how far we can we go?
There’s something instantly engaging about this memoir because it doesn’t feel distant or overly polished—it feels real. From the “Projects to the Peace Corps to the Professoriate: A Traveling Memoir” reads like sitting down with someone who has truly lived through struggle, change, and success and is willing to honestly share the journey. Dr. Edwards talks openly about growing up with limited resources, facing racial barriers, and navigating uncertainty, but he also fills the story with moments of humor, adventure, and discovery. The balance between personal reflection and world travel makes the book difficult to put down because every chapter offers a new experience and perspective. The memoir is both inspiring and deeply human, reminding readers that growth often begins the moment we step beyond what feels familiar.
One of the most memorable parts of the book is how travel transforms the author’s understanding of himself and others. Whether he’s working in rural Costa Rica, teaching students, or visiting Ghana for the first time, each experience broadens his view of humanity and purpose. Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth, cultural exploration, education, or overcoming obstacles will likely connect strongly with this memoir. It especially speaks to students, educators, travelers, and anyone searching for motivation to move beyond their current circumstances. The author’s life proves that opportunities can come from unexpected places when people remain open to learning and willing to take risks.
What makes this memoir resonate long after the final page is its message about perseverance and connection. In everyday life, many people feel limited by where they started, their financial situation, or the expectations placed on them. Dr. Edwards’ story reminds us that those beginnings do not have to define our future. Through education, resilience, and meaningful relationships, people can create opportunities that once seemed impossible. More than just a story about travel or academic success, this book encourages readers to embrace growth, stay curious about the world, and never underestimate the power of believing in their own potential.
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