When Viola was in high school, her family lived in a different apartment, and her two oldest sisters had left home. They had lost their welfare and were evicted from an apartment. Her father got into a physical fight with their landlord, who fortunately did not press charges but made them leave because they were not paying rent, having no money.

School, once again, was Viola’s haven, and she worked hard to tame her disciplinary problems. In one science class, her theater kid self often overwhelmed her and she acted out due to boredom. Her teacher yelled at her but years later gave her a brochure for a drama contest, which he believed she could succeed in. It felt impossible, but she talked to her counselor at the summer program about it, and he got her the money and materials she needed to participate. To her astonishment and her family’s excitement, she was invited to participate, chosen as one of thirty out of thousands. Going to Miami for the contest, she flew on a plane for the first time. She did not win the possible scholarship money but was recognized as a Promising Young Artist for her talent. Davis recognizes this as a transformative moment on her journey to future happiness.