JOE, ex: audit

when joe was young, he struggled with self-confidence. in college, he struggled to stand his ground and was made fun of incessantly. his teachers tried to help, informing joe’s parents about the issue and confronting the bullies head-on. unfortunately- - - joe’s parents didn’t seem too invested in their well-being...and so, the bullies did not relent. it appeared that the boy was destined to be perpetually hounded by those who were looking to make his life a living hell. everywhere he turned there was another act of cruelty to endure. so, when lawrence discovered him, joe maneuvered with trepidation at first. because of his past, he’s had a difficult time trusting people, even when they have given him no reason to question their motivations. from the moment they met, lawrence has seen something special in the boy. and even though joe does not understand what makes lawrence believe in his potential, he has followed the man’s advice thus far.