Drew Gooch is a high school senior that was living in his 1997 Toyota Camry because his mother’s live-in boyfriend is a registered sex offender which prevented him from legally living with her. He has had an uphill struggle to survive, but managed to earn a full scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University, along with the Bootstrap Scholarship, a scholarship for “hardworking students who overcame odds to excel in their classes,” as well as a Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship.
He doesn’t mention much about his mom in his story, but talks about how he has taken care of himself buying his own groceries and washing his clothes and simply fending for himself, according to the Daily News Journal. He told Nashville’s News 2 how he had been taking care of himself for as long as he can remember. It wasn’t the first time Gooch was alone, though…he remembers being ages six and seven, and not having anyone around to do things like make meals. ”I’ve always taken care of myself,” he said.”
To survive, he would stay with an older sister or friends, he’d stay in the library until it closed, slept in his car behind Embassy Suites, and provided a donut to teachers that would agree to work with him on his studies a half an hour before school started at Holloway High School. The 17-year-old is obviously mature beyond his years and his principal believes he’s a godsend:
“Drew is every teacher and every principal’s dream,” said Holloway High School principal Sumatra Drayton. “I know Drew will be back here, speaking at graduation. Drew will be back here mentoring students and being a model.” Gooch has a job at McDonald’s and he is the valedictorian of his graduating class with a 3.9 GPA. This is a story of perseverance and dedication to education that every child should read. Gooch wants other students to know: “Take what life gives you. Don’t give up. Don’t sell yourself short. The only person who can decide who you can be is you,” Gooch said. “That’s what I tell myself when I look in the mirror every morning.” To see video of Drew and his story, click here.
article via eurthisnthat.com
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3.9 GPA homeless! THIS is the stuff that makes GREAT men..no lie. I get chills across my body thinking of what this young , so young!, brother has gone through to make it, to survive, to EXCEL. God has a special place in Heaven for souls such as his; and we can be sure he’s going to be among the Whose Who of Who to Watch Make Things Happen in our Country. And to think students with so far less, great majority, aren’t even average students. *sigh* We’ve so much work to do with getting “our” children as a whole UP to speed. They can’t compete without an education. Period. I couldn’t be prouder of this youngster..As usual I’m very glad you posted this. THIS is the type of good news I might not have heard about; IF not for your posting it. I love IT
We think this young man is special, too, and we absolutely love finding and sharing stories like his. The Drew Gooch’s of the world do exist, and they deserve as much praise and attention as possible, not only for what they are doing/have done, but also for inspiring others to strive to be their best. Please share his story – he deserves all the attention and praise this world has to offer!
I will for sure..So proud of him. If you hear of a way to send him emails of encouragement or donations please let me know. I know people who are in full support of progressive Black youth..
Absolutely. Will do.
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If any one know how I can help this student continue his education, please email list on here all contact information. I am really impressed about this story!!! May God continue to shine on him every day as he move forward with his education. I pray most of all that God open work on his mother so that she understands that her children comes first before a man!
God Bless this young man..
Amen.
[…] Homeless Teen Drew Gooch Earns Full Scholarship To College in Tennessee […]
[…] As we enter into 2014, like everywhere else, GBN is reflecting on what made 2013 truly memorable. There have been historic moments (Barack Obama’s second inauguration to the Presidency of the United States, the Supreme Court striking down the Defense of Marriage Act, Obamacare withstanding severe political and technical challenges) sobering moments (the George Zimmerman trial, the Boston Marathon Bombing, the Oklahoma Tornado Disaster) and inspiring moments (Charles Ramsey rescuing Ariel Castro’s captives, Antoinette Tuff talking down a would-be elementary school shooter, Homeless Teen Drew Gooch earning a full scholarship to college). […]
[…] Homeless Teen Drew Gooch Earns Full Scholarship To College in Tennessee […]