A homeless student in Jacksonville will graduate as the high school valedictorian, according to a recently published article.

Education Amid the Global Pandemic

The world is in hiatus since the pandemic began and until today many countries around the globe are still experiencing the devastation brought by COVID-19. This also leads many students to stay-at-home instead of going to schools attending their classes to fulfill their dreams.

Meanwhile, there are other schools as well that transitioned immediately from physical or face-to-face classes to online classes. However, despite this effort of the different schools, there are still many who ere left behind due to the available resources that they have.

In a new normal world, many students days from now who are expected either to stop for the meantime while there is no vaccine or to pursue their study but somehow need them to be more extra care and practice the highest form of hygiene to avoid infection.

Homeless Jacksonville Student Graduates as Valedictorian

A homeless Jacksonville student proves the world that poverty is indeed not a hindrance to success. The obstacles and challenges he experienced in life became his inspiration and now he will graduate as the high school valedictorian.

Martin Folsom has spent most of his years living in different shelters with her mother. However, he has found time to study in A. Philip Randolph Career Academies, served as class president, and has maintained to be at the top.

In a video message of Folsom posted on the website of Duval County Public School, he said: "It's been a rocky road, a lot of hardships. But seeing myself now about to graduate, about to go to college - it feels good knowing all the stuff I've done was worth it."

Folsom Gives Credit to Persons Who Helped Him

There could be many persons who helped Folsom finished his high school as a class valedictorian even amid the financial constraints and global pandemic. In the video, he made special mention to his mother who all throughout his journey has helped him become who he is today. It would be very difficult for Folsom to manage his education because of their financial problems and being a homeless person. But, his achievement only proves that the journey towards success is troublesome.

Folsom also said: "Take advantage of any opportunity you can because you never know where it's going to lead you to or what you can end up getting out of it." A statement that shows his optimism in life and positive disposition. Folsom now plans to continue his study and he will take accounting and finance at Valdosta State University in Georgia. With hard work, perseverance, and patience he had shown, it is no wonder that he will become successful and will achieve his dreams someday.

There is always a way for a man who has the will and determination to achieve and pursue his career despite the challenges and obstacles he is facing. Folsom is an icon of today's generation and worthy of emulation.

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