Watch Me Rise: From the Streets of Despair to the Halls of the Ivy League

Throughout Doug Luffborough's young life, he found himself torn between two masters: the selfish and the spiritual. As one of four hardworking children born to a loving and hardworking—albeit disadvantaged—mother, Doug faced learning challenges, hunger, and homelessness, giving in to the temptations of drinking and gang life in order to survive. At the peak of his struggles, Doug recognized that an education would help pull him out of this cycle—for good. Watch Me Rise is a memoir of hope, determination, and eventually a graduate degree from Harvard—and all from someone who was told he was not "college material."

“In this book, Doug Luffborough invites readers to share a remarkable and ultimately heartening journey. Prepare to experience a range of emotions as you read this book, including rage, shame, and humiliation as a precursor to compassion, pride, and joy. It is an account of growth and development, the result of which is the emergence of a good man. It is a book worth reading not just because of how it makes you feel, but also because of how it makes you want to be.”
—George Reed, PhD, Associate Dean, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, University of San Diego

“From the moment Doug walks into a room, you can feel his energy and the strength of spirit that he exudes—it is captivating. He is the real deal. Present and action oriented, Doug possesses the ability to remain conscious of his past while not allowing it to define who he is as a person. His openness and honesty invite you in from the moment you meet him. Doug not only survived but also thrived, despite the obstacles that he encountered. Doug’s willingness to share his vulnerabilities on a visceral level is one of the qualities that allow him to break down barriers and relate to others in a compassionate and genuine manner. His enthusiastic, caring, charismatic approach was contagious, and it is readily apparent that Doug is a man who holds high standards for himself and, in doing so, motivates others to aspire to be better. Doug not only epitomizes effective leadership, but he also transcends it.”
—Maria Olson, Former Resident Director, Office of Residential Life, Northeastern University

“A message of hope, hard work, dedication, and never-ending faith … For our youth today, and for those of us who work to guide and support them, Doug Luffborough’s story provides both inspiration and wisdom. Doug’s powerful ability to engage an audience—whether on stage, in a boardroom, or in text—is fully displayed as he shows us that anything is possible, and dreams do come true if you work hard and keep the faith!”
—Kevin E. Baird, Chairman, Global Center for College and Career Readiness

“Doug is the quintessential leader. To have arrived at the level of personal and professional success that he has achieved, given the myriad of obstacles that he had to overcome, makes him a true role model. Others who aspire to create better lives for themselves and their families, as Doug did, can look to him for inspiration. Doug has had the resiliency to persevere, build skills, and then use his innate talents to create positive change both close to home, as well in the greater community. In my thirty-four years of helping countless individuals realize their personal promise, Doug’s story is the one that continues to inspire me. His is the success story at which we all marvel.”
—Pamela Boisvert, CEO, Massachusetts Education & Career Opportunities, Inc. (MassEDCO)