Bosses: From Prison to the Ivy League
Graduation weekend is in sight for many students around the country, and one (about to be) newly minted Ivy League grad has a lot to be proud of. Actually, a lot is a gross understatement — try an ENORMOUS ACCOMPLISHMENT to be proud of. While many recent grads are likely to bemoan having to enter the “real world”( i.e. having to work for a living and cut back on college fun), Richard Gamarra has already spent plenty of time getting acquainted with some staggering real world challenges. The New York Daily News reports that Gamarra, who is going to walk away with a Masters of Public Health from Columbia University on May 17th, has achieved academic excellence despite landing in prison at age 19. Yea, pretty amazing. Gamarra intends to put his hard won degree to good use, and wants to use his public health expertise to council inmates. Gamarra points out that a dedicated and inspirational mentor noticed his intelligence, helped cultivate his skills, and pointed him in the right direction. His incredible story highlights the impact of education, the message that it is never too late to change course, and a reminder of the important role mentorship and guidance plays in shaping any individual’s path. Richard seems set to become a mentor himself, and is already inspiring others.
Congrats ! ! !
