A Secret Life of Mom Highlight Story: Sometimes there are tales that are just too good, too beautiful, or too unbelievable to keep locked away. That’s why we scour the archives and bring some of them back to enjoy again. They may make you smile or shed a tear, but they’re always meant to add a little positivity to your day. Enjoy!
Being a teen is one of the hardest stages in your life. You are facing intense emotions, learning all about this thing called life, and you have to get an education at the same time. But, what if you didn’t have family, or know where your next meal was coming from, or if you would sleep on the streets that night? One teen endured hell and came out on top as valedictorian, even after nearly losing everything. Griffin Furlong’s story is inspiring, and one worth remembering.
Facing Hardships
When Griffin Furlong was 6-years-old, his mother died from leukemia. Having no one else who could really take care of him, the boy ended up going in and out of homeless shelters for the next 12 years.
“I would have a special bus I had to ride to school and people would think something was wrong with me. A lot of kids made fun of me, but I didn’t let that interfere with what I did in school. I had a plan — just make good grades, and don’t worry about anyone else but my family.”
TODAY
At some points, he would stay with his aunt and uncle, but they couldn’t afford to take care of him either. Furlong said there were more than a few times he had no idea is he would get to eat that day.
“I had to grow up really fast. I’ve seen things that kids wouldn’t ever see in their lives.”
TODAY
Knowing that the only way for him to have a better life was through a good education, Furlong made an important choice. He choose to be the brightest student he could be. Furlong never gave up, and in fact, he ended up accomplishing great things.
“Every single one of my peers thinks I live and have lived a normal, everyday life. Everyone thinks I try to get good grades because I’m smart. Not true. I make the grades I do because I was once lost, and had nothing.”
TODAY
Read: ‘Paralyzed bride’ renews vows with husband, shares update 11 years after accident
Homeless Teen Becomes Valedictorian
First Coast High School in Florida named Furlong as their valedictorian in 2014. His speech is one that is still inspiring teens and adults alike to this day.
“I perform the way I do in the classroom because I have everything to lose. Don’t dwell on the past, use it as motivation for your future. It’s amazing what you can do with your life when you have motivation, ambition and most importantly, a purpose.”
DailyMail
“Just never give up. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, because I’ve been told that all my life. People would tell me I wasn’t smart enough, and now I’m here at the top of my class.”
TODAY
Following the news of Furlong’s rise to valedictorian status, a GoFundMe was started to help pay for the teen’s college education. Furlong wanted to attend Florida State University and study civil engineering, but the teen didn’t have all the expenses covered. In just 2 weeks he was able to raise nearly $91,000!
‘Wow, this is truly a blessing! I can’t even fathom how much this means to me and my family,’ Griffin wrote on the page last week, as he thanked his many supporters.
DailyMail
Truly an inspiring story that teaches us to always fight for what we want to achieve. No mountain is too tall to climb if we just never give up.
Keep Reading: Great Grandma Raises 6 Kids So Strangers Come In To Ease Her Pain
Sources:
- “Homeless teen named valedictorian: ‘Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something” TODAY. May 27, 2014
- “Homeless teenager who overcame difficult childhood to graduate as class valedictorian has college fund boosted by $91,000 after inspiring others with his determination” The DailyMail . June 5, 2014