A teenager from Missouri demonstrated what true determination looks like and is now inspiring folks all over the nation to put maximum effort into what they want in life, a positive message our culture definitely needs to hear. According to Breitbart News, Xavier Jones, 14, hoofed it for over two whole hours in order to make it to his eighth-grade graduation, a report from CNN revealed.
Jones offered up some much needed advice for other folks, saying, “If you want something done, you gotta go ahead and do it yourself.”
The young man walked a total of six miles from Florissant Avenue to Harris-Stowe State University, located in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, all because he wanted to receive what he knew he had earned: a diploma.
Speaking with the press, Jones revealed that he was actually going to talk to an adult about his situation, but his grandfather’s car was not operational at the time, so rather than sit around and complain, or miss the graduation, he decided to take action and walk.
“I looked up Harris-Stowe University on Google Maps, and then I saw walking distance. I said, ‘I can probably make it,’” he said in an interview with KMO:
Jones then asked his brother and a friend if they would join him on the trip.
When the university found out what Jones did in order to get to his graduation, they decided to offer him a full ride to the school.
“HSSU President Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith was so moved by his dedication and perseverance, she offered him a Presidential scholarship, which covers four years of tuition, housing, books, and fees!” the school stated in a social media post that was published on May 25:
“We are proud to welcome Xavier into Hornet Nation in the fall of 2028!” the post continued.
Terron Armstead, a player in the National Football League, gave Jones’ family a brand new car after hearing about his dedication.
So what does Jones want to be when he grows up?
Well, after he is finished with college, Jones said he wants to become a professional NASCAR driver.
The 14-year-old, discussing the future of his education, went on to say, “It means that I’m going to do something great and that I finally made it out of the 8th grade.”
Featured image credit: Embedded YouTube video.
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