The purpose of this article is to describe both our unique training under Don Hellison and how the TPSR Alliance has played an important role in helping us navigate our academic careers. Both of us studied under Don Hellison for several years at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). While Dave began working with Don as an undergraduate with an emphasis in physical education teacher education, Paul began his work with Don as a graduate student. We both completed the Masters of Kinesiology and continued on to earn PhDs in curriculum and instruction. The PhD program was operated jointly by the College of Education and the Kinesiology Department. We took the required classes for both graduate degree programs, with the unique additional experience of working in Don's Urban Youth Development Project. Some of this work was done for pay, some on a volunteer basis, and some for credit through independent studies and class projects, as well as our thesis and dissertation projects. All of the UIC students working with Don through these various arrangements shared a large office with him to discuss our work with youth and develop ideas for the programs we were implementing. We also discussed our research agendas and other academic activities related to working with youth who live in underserved communities.