A Bronx teenager is graduating high school after nearly losing his life to gun violence.

Raekwon Langston received his diploma from Truman High School after being shot in the face on his birthday while returning from a party with a friend last year. Langston says a young man drove up beside him and asked him if he was in a gang. After Langston replied "no," the man shot him twice.

The 17-year-old spent several days in the hospital and underwent months of therapy, but says that the shooting ultimately changed his life for the better, making him more focused and grateful for the future.

Langston's family says the person responsible for the shooting is now in jail.

Langston will be attending a community college in Syracuse this fall. He plans to become an electrician.