If the word “orphanage” brings to mind Oliver Twist begging for gruel or Little Orphan Annie and her hard-knock life, Richard McKenzie would like you to consider an alternative view.

McKenzie, who lived his youngest days in Raleigh, later spent eight years in an orphanage before going on to become a university economist. His most recent post is at the University of California at Irvine.

McKenzie addressed myths about orphanage life during today’s presentation to the John Locke Foundation’s Shaftesbury Society. In the video clip below, he explains how role models helped him.

4:05 p.m. update: Click play below to watch the full 52:46 presentation.

You’ll find other John Locke Foundation video presentations here.