He was determined to make it out!
Washington, D.C. resident Michael Jeffery was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, losing both of his jobs and eventually leading to the loss of his home, NBC 4 Washington reports. The whirlwind crisis caused Jeffery to be homeless, and he found himself living in a tent under a bridge in D.C. Navy Yard area.
“We don’t want pity. A lot of people in this situation is just like me. We want better; we want more,” Jeffery told reporters.
It was in that same tent that he found more, enrolling last year in classes at the Goodwill Excel Center, a free high school program for adults.
“I didn’t want to be stuck out here. I don’t wish this on anybody, to be stuck out here,” said Jeffery.
For an entire year, Jeffery attended school while living on the street. Recently, his hard work paid off and he graduated as valedictorian of his class. Just before graduation, he moved out of that tent into his brand new apartment.
“A lot of people don’t get that second chase, and Goodwill allowed that second chance for me, and I appreciate that,” Jeffery explained.
The celebratory moment wasn’t lost on him and he hopes that his story can inspire others. Jeffery is now headed to college, enrolled at Catholic University for the fall semester. He has plans to eventually go to law school.
“I’m studying legal studies. Who would’ve thought that I would be studying legal studies, right? There was no hope in this tent, but I found it, so you see how far I’ve came and how far I will get,” he said.
Congratulations Michael! We’re so happy for you!
Cover photo: D.C. man who lived in a tent for 2 years just graduated valedictorian & is off to college/Photo Courtesy of NBC 4 Washington