Brent Jones, the boy who doesn't officially exist
'Kid who doesn't exist' looks to future | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star
Because Brent has gone through life without answers, and without the birth certificate or Social Security number he needs, everything from a driver's license to a job has been denied him. School administrators told him he couldn't receive financial aid for college. He faced a post-graduation black hole.
A few days after the administrator shared Brent's story, and after I said I'd like to meet him, Brent spotted me in the hallway on Manual's third floor. Smiling and friendly as always, he introduced himself.
"I'm Brent Jones," he said. "I'm the kid who doesn't exist."
Before I tell the rest of this story, I should mention that Brent is one of the most optimistic 18-year-olds you'll ever meet. Still, as we talked that first time, and during dozens of conversations since, he made clear he understood the severity of his dilemma.
