June 27, 2024 |
Iseli Lotaki
Iseli was raised in Texas with dreams of making it to the NFL to support his family. His athletic
talent in high school attracted many college recruiters, and he thrived on the attention,
embracing a lifestyle of football and partying. However, his focus on maintaining street cred and
partying caused his grades to drop, leading colleges to lose interest.
Despite his potential, Iseli’s transition from a top recruit to barely making it into a Division 2
college was devastating. In college, he continued to party, sell drugs, and play some football
until he lost his love for the sport. Seeking importance elsewhere, he turned to drug dealing.
Even the birth of his first two kids did not change his path or alter his course.
From age 17 to 41, Iseli cycled through crime and incarceration, burning bridges and losing
everything multiple times. Each jail or prison term provided only a temporary pause. Desperate
for a fresh start, he moved to Utah, got married, and had two more kids. Despite his hopes, life’s
challenges led him back to his old habits.
Facing prison again, Iseli was given a golden opportunity to go to Red Barn. By the grace of
God, he embraced this chance to turn his life around. Remembering another student’s words,
“How did I mess up so good?!” Iseli is now full of gratitude and dedicated to helping others see
that change is possible. He has an amazing relationship with his kids and works for Red Barn
Movers. Despite his past, he is committed to being an example and giving back, showing that
redemption is attainable.