Against All Odd with Iseli Lotaki

Iseli Lotaki Program Manager Red Barn Academy Iseli was raised in Texas with dreams of making it to the NFL to support his family. His athletictalent 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 andpartying 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 2college was devastating. In college, he continued to party, sell drugs, and play some footballuntil 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 losingeverything multiple times. Each jail or prison term provided only a temporary pause. Desperatefor a fresh start, he moved to Utah, got married, and had two more kids. Despite his hopes, life’schallenges led him back to his old habits.
Facing prison again, Iseli was given a golden opportunity to go to Red Barn. By the grace ofGod, 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 seethat change is possible. He has an amazing relationship with his kids and works for Red BarnMovers. Despite his past, he is committed to being an example and giving back, showing thatredemption is attainable.