Posted on 10/03/2009 10:04:04 AM PDT by Saije
Derrius Quarles leans back in his seat and methodically analyzes Aristotle's theory of truth during freshman honors English class at Morehouse College.
He strides across campus in a navy blue tailored suit and a bold red sweater handing out business cards that boast "Student/Entrepreneur/Leader."
But behind the 19-year-old's dauntless appearance is a past that few on campus know.
When Quarles was 5, the state took him away from his mother. He spent his childhood bouncing from home to home before ending up on his own at 17 in an apartment on Chicago's South Side.
His arrival at a prestigious, historically African-American college -- with more than $1 million in scholarship offers -- is a story of inspiration and anguish. And it's a testament to his determination to prove that he is better than his beginnings.
"You can't go around thinking you are inferior just because you didn't have parents," he says. "For me, it's about knowing where you are from and accepting it, but more important, knowing where you are going."
Despite his polished veneer, sometimes there are glimpses into a more complicated young man.
In sociology class, when students discuss their childhood dependence on parents, the usually verbose Quarles withdraws from the lively discussion and doodles in a notebook. When a tutoring coordinator asks students about the "caring adults" in their lives, Quarles mumbles something about an aunt.
He rarely talks about his childhood, but when pushed, the words tumble out.
"I've had people tell me that I ain't never gonna be s---. That's not a scratch, that cuts deep," he says. "After so many people put me down, I said, 'I'm gonna show you.' "
Quarles made good on that promise when he won more than $1 million in scholarship offers, including a full ride at Morehouse.
(Excerpt) Read more at chicagotribune.com ...
Interesting story.
BTW, who paid for the kenyan’s education?
I thought this was going to be about Obie-the-Won.
“I thought this was going to be about Obie-the-Won.”
Obama was never in foster care, never abandoned or disadvantaged the way this kid was. He was raised by his white middle class grandparents who sent him to very good schools and he never lacked for much of anything. But we all find his story incredibly inspiring don’t we? It’s a miracle!
I don’t find Obummer inspiring. In fact, he seems to have gotten a free pass to Occidental and Harvard. Then gets elected because he is a non-threatening black (chocolate as Ray Nagin says) to silly whites.
Now people are realizing that this non-threatening Chocolate man is incredibly dangerous to US freedoms from the oppression of government and our foreign enemies.
The sillier whites still sing his praise. Most of the government-dependent blacks still love him. There are blacks and Latinos who find him disgusting and corrupt, we just have to hope that more and more realize the damage he is doing.
Yeah, abandoned by his black father, riased by his white family, and he has the nerve towrite ‘dreams of my father’?
Maybe ‘daddy’ obama realized how much he looked like FMD
Bump. He will.
Inspiring story! This boy had a rough life and he chose the high road and I applaud him for that. I am actually in awe of that!
I hope he achieves all the goals he has set for himself and by the sound of it, I’m sure he will! Bravo....
>> “How you dress says something to the world about who you think you are,” he explains.
Attention blinged-up clown suit wearers - maybe there’s a reason the company wouldn’t hire you for anything other than a dishwasher or a lawn man.
I found it interesting that Justice Sotomayor’s compelling life story involved private schools at every level. She had to overcome so much in her education!
I'm proud for him that he's done it in a constructive way. Too many, in that situation, would turn to a life of crime, or just laziness, with the attitude that things should be given to them, cause they had it so hard growing up.
~~Now here’s a brave, hard-working and supremely
focused young man who deserves such great awe and
praise. My lord .. the indescribable adversity he’s
overcome!
God bless him and keep his head continually
on straight .. and humble and grateful for God’s
mercies. He could achieve and create great good
and bring hope to the hopeless. What an incredible
role model ... for all youngsters.
I'm sorry but I'm laughing my ass off....blinged-up clown suit wearers. Where's my wine?
I was thinking future president...!
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