Hempstead High School called in a renowned sociologist to talk to students about achieving racial harmony Tuesday, a week after the school halls were plagued by violence.

"My goal is to help them understand what doesn't break them can make them stronger," Dr. Samuel Betances said of his appearance at the school. He spoke about his journey from high school dropout to Harvard doctoral student and shared personal stories to get the teens engaged.

Many students say they?re willing and ready to change the racial dynamics at school. "[Dr. Betances] made it so real,? Hempstead High School student Moses Herrera said. ?I don't see how anyone couldn't take anything from it."