To Inspire:

Enjoy this inspiring excerpt from the article, “From Homeless to Johns Hopkins,” published in PassItOn.com, a service of The Foundation for a Better Life.

Chris Smith looked like any other high schooler: bushy hair, a wide smile, and enough freckles to charm a grandmother out of a jar of cookies. But because of his father’s recklessness with finances, Chris and his family faced constant evictions, lived often without electricity – and ended up being homeless. Eventually his mother couldn’t take it and moved away without a word. Left alone, Chris moved in with his older sister and her husband, sleeping on their couch. But he knew that wasn’t fair to the newly married couple, so he finally moved into his father’s old Chevy truck, and it became his bed and his study space. Chris was ready to quit high school, but his history teacher had other ideas and began to mentor him and help him with his assignments to keep him on a path to graduation. And Chris’ wrestling coach taught him how to keep working and to value teamwork over individual accomplishment. School became his safe place – he spent a lot of time in the gym and in the library, where he studied the lives of underdogs who overcame incredible odds to make something of their lives.

When graduation came, Chris earned a full scholarship to college but once there his grades slipped and he lost his scholarship. Refusing to give up, Chris transferred to a smaller school and applied for every grant and loan he could find. Through sheer determination, Chris graduated in the top 10% of his class. He got married and went on to medical school. Another challenge arose when a family member lost custody of her child and Chris and his wife decided to adopt the baby girl as their own.

When it came time to apply for medical residencies, Chris aimed high; he applied to all the top residency programs in the country, including Johns Hopkins. “I didn’t really think I had a chance, but I had learned by now to give everything my best shot.” And then the letter came – Chris was accepted.

They say dreams are made of hard work and Chris had to work harder than most. But now he’s a successful radiologist who makes time to speak to students about what it takes to succeed. “You can do it” he tells them – and he’s right, they can.

Many of you reading this have a similar story. Thank you for inspiring the rest of us and let’s all become encouragers of others – with our words and actions we can help others overcome their challenges and achieve great things.

Life, what a gift – let’s live it with purpose and passion!  Have a great weekend.

Written by Matt Palmer, Partner & Co-Founder