Summer, Lauralee. Learning Joy from Dogs Without Collars.

© 2003. (Non-Fiction/Memoir)

Imagine this scenario: You are homeless. Your mother has had four children before you, but none of them live with her. The two of you bounce from homeless shelter to homeless shelter. Eventually, you spend some time with various foster families.

Now, imagine this: against all odds, you are accepted to Harvard, one of the most prestigious universities in America, and even better. you get a full scholarship. Even more unusual, you are granted a rare wrestling scholarship. And, to top it off, you are a girl.

Lauralee Summer’s is a unique life story, and the ultimate fulfillment of the American Dream: born into poverty, she forged her own success out of educational opportunities. A unique alternative ed program, filled with caring and supportive teachers, as well as a love of wrestling and coaches who supported her, allowed her to pursue her talents and build a remarkable life despite the incredible odds against her.