Chapter 1: My Journey as a Notary

In the early days of my notary profession, I was focused on building my reputation, one closing at a time, embracing every opportunity that came my way.

Throughout my journey, I traveled far and wide for both the fees and the adventures. One minute, I was conducting signings in the opulent high-rises of New York City, and the next, I found myself in the most challenging neighborhoods. From luxurious gold-adorned apartments to the worn-out tenements of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brownsville, and Harlem, not every street resembled the elegance of Fifth Avenue.

As I cycled thousands of miles, my eyes remained alert to the vibrant life unfolding around me. I often pondered how a suburban kid like myself navigated the colorful and diverse streets of inner-city neighborhoods.

One sunny fall afternoon, I had a signing appointment at 3 PM in Harlem, heading toward Lenox Avenue Park off 128th Street. The streets were alive with unique characters, and although panhandlers were present, I felt more curious than anxious. As I passed by, many greeted me with smiles, and I responded with cheerful hellos, embracing the vibrant NYC life I had previously missed during my corporate days spent in taxis.

A Fortunate Meeting

It was during this vibrant day that I met Roberto Cortes, who needed some documents notarized. According to the paperwork, he had won a staggering $1,000,000 in a New York State lottery drawing. For me, that amount equated to approximately 10,000 signings over a decade of my notary ventures.

Roberto, a youthful 22, looked even younger. His sparkling eyes and carefree smile were contagious. Suddenly, the cry of an infant interrupted our conversation, prompting Roberto to spring into action. He informed me he had five children, each with a different mother. I couldn’t help but joke that while I balanced one family with three jobs, he was managing the lives of five.

Starting as a father at just 17, Roberto had taken on the role of a professional parent. He described himself as a street hustler, doing whatever it took to support his large, extended family. I chose not to delve into what that title meant, as he seemed committed to his responsibilities. He expressed that those days of hustling were behind him, with plans to return home to care for his five children and their mothers.

My initial thought was that he would create a modern commune. While holding a fussy Francesca, he asked when he could expect the lottery money. I told him 3–5 days and wished him luck, free of any judgment.

Reflections on Life Choices

As I walked away, I reflected on how life grants us opportunities for second chances. Each of us makes decisions that shape our paths, and I smiled, recognizing the positive choices I had made recently.

The journey from being a world traveler to a notary has been full of lessons — reinvention, self-discovery, and authenticity.

Chapter 2: The Lottery and Its Implications

This video explores whether a DV Lottery winner should bring their family immediately or wait until later. It discusses the pros and cons of each choice.

In this video, a DV Lottery winner shares their experience of not including children and a spouse in the initial application, reflecting on the impact of that decision.