The Story of Eric Jones Jr

I wasn’t supposed to make it. Born with a physical disability called Radial club hand, I entered this world with short arms and a set of challenges that most can only imagine. As a kid, I faced relentless bullying, often being the target of cruel jokes and hurtful words. To make matters worse, my academic journey was far from smooth—I nearly dropped out of high school, but I graduated with a dismal 1.7 GPA. I felt like the world was stacked against me, labeling me as an underdawg before I could prove myself.

But something deep within me refused to give up.

Growing up in Michigan City, Indiana., I quickly learned the power of resilience. My disability became my greatest teacher, forcing me to find innovative ways to navigate a world not designed for someone like me. Whether tying my shoes, playing sports, or simply holding a pencil, I had to work twice as hard as everyone else. And while the world tried to define me by my limitations, I focused on defying them.

Basketball became my first love, a passion that showed me the power of discipline and teamwork. Even though I wasn’t the tallest, fastest, or strongest player, I poured my heart into the game. Basketball taught me life lessons that extended far beyond the court: show up every day, embrace hard work, and trust the process. These lessons laid the foundation for everything I’ve done since.

After high school, I stumbled through life, still searching for my purpose. But one thing was clear—I had a story to tell. I realized that my struggles weren’t just obstacles; they were opportunities to inspire others. Slowly but surely, I began to use my voice, sharing my story with anyone willing to listen. The more I spoke, the more I connected with people, especially youth who saw themselves in my journey.

Today, I’m an expert in social-emotional learning and an advocate for youth empowerment. Through motivational speaking, mentorship, and my work with kids, I’ve built a platform that inspires the next generation to overcome their challenges and embrace their greatness. I’m particularly passionate about teaching kids to become authors of their own stories—both literally and figuratively. There’s nothing more powerful than giving a young person the tools to turn their pain into purpose.

In addition to speaking and mentorship, I host the Underdawg Talk podcast, where I connect with people from all walks of life to share stories of resilience, growth, and overcoming adversity. I also author books that reflect my life’s mission, including From Underdog to Top Dog and Top Dawg: Unleash Your Potential. These works combine my personal experiences with actionable strategies to inspire readers of all ages.

My ultimate goal is to spark a national movement that puts social-emotional development at the forefront of education. I want to build ecosystems of support that empower every student to defy their limitations, achieve their highest potential, and become purpose-driven leaders. I believe every child has a story worth telling and greatness waiting to be unleashed.

When I reflect on my journey, I’m most proud of my resilience. Life has thrown its fair share of curveballs, but I’ve embraced them all, knowing that each challenge makes me stronger. From a bullied kid with a disability to a leader inspiring others, I’ve turned my story into a testament to what’s possible when you believe in yourself and refuse to quit.

If I can do it, so can you. The underdog in me found the top dawg within—and now, I’m committed to helping others do the same.