Dr. Ronald Dillard is an educator with over 20 years of experience teaching in Detroit Public Schools and in the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home. In addition, Dr. Dillard has worked as a university administrator, teaching college readiness courses and academic skills to students at risk of being academically dismissed. With The Masterpiece, Dr. Dillard has poured all of his knowledge about the college-going process to help students to avoid pitfalls, select a major, and ultimately leave with a diploma.

In this text, Dr. Dillard interviews seven individuals and shares their gripping stories of facing challenges and ultimately walking across the stage at graduation. The stories are unique, shedding light on rarely discussed hardships such as abuse, financial struggles, and identity development. With Dr. Dillard's 'E.S.P.' concept, students are certain to gain an advantage and design the life they wish to live through degree attainment.

Themes include: taking charge of your own destiny, understanding how to pay for college, and cracking the cryptic language often spoken on college campuses.

Dr. Tran-Davies, medical doctor, author, and education advocate, provides a foreword. Her story is later told in the book.

Artist Jessica Kroes-Cooper illustrated each person interviewed.

Artist Clifton Jamaal Perry lends his talent to the book's cover.