Determination and hard work always pays off, though sometimes the result — and the way it comes about — can be surprising.
Corey Patrick is a teen from Alabama who lives around 10 miles from his high school, Tarrant High.
Corey used to live closer, but when his family moved to their present home, he was close to graduating and didn’t want to change schools.
Since Corey’s family didn’t own a car, Corey was forced to walk a long way to a public bus stop and then take the bus to school. Unfortunately for Corey, this meant a 90-minute commute each way, every single day.
But Corey did what he had to do. He woke up every single morning at 4:30 a.m. to start his long journey from his home to school.
“He’s a great young man,” Corey’s mother says. “He’s very quiet, reserved, humble and he gets a little hardheaded sometimes, but he’s a very obedient child and I’m proud of Corey.”
Indeed, the ambitious teen, who plans to pursue a degree in computer science, refused to allow a long, tedious walk and bus ride get in the way of his education — and this was certainly also the case when the time came for his graduation ceremony.
As always, Corey hopped on a bus and headed for school that day. The only difference? He did so wearing his cap and gown.
Observant passersby noticed the teen headed for the bus dressed in his graduation attire and took a picture of him. The photo soon made the rounds online, eventually landing in the hands of local radio show host, Ricky Smiley.
Moved by the teen’s story and dedication to his education, Ricky invited Corey to join him on his show one day.
Ricky praised Corey for his hard work and determination… but he did something more. Something no one saw coming.
Ricky had a gift in store for the young man, something he could sure use… a car!
Now Corey can travel to his future educational institution in a fraction of the time, focusing on what he does best: studying and working hard.
Watch a video of Corey’s wonderful story below:
[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mKuBU9G9jE” /]
I’m so glad that photo was taken and it raised awareness about this special young man and his predicament. Share to wish Corey luck in the future!
