Graduation

By raiquan thomas • August 20, 2019

Born to a teenage mother.

Dad was killed by a police officer when I was 5 years old.

Worked two jobs while attending my regular high school and an arts high school.

Evicted from my childhood home my senior year of high school.

Lost everything but kept seeking better.

My senior year of high school I graduated with honors and received over $500,000 in scholarships for music and academics. Got into my dream school, James Madison University, and received a full ride for music.

During these past few years, I've had peers and family members die and end up in very bad situations.

I'm thankful that I never let my circumstances define who I am.

Two weeks ago, I graduated with a B.M in Music with a concentration in Performance and a minor in Music Industry. This degree is for my peers who didn't have the same opportunity as me. This degree is for Portsmouth, Virginia, where a lot of people don't make it out.

"Everyday's a struggle, everyday's a song."

Thank you God.

Follow Raiquan Thomas on LinkedIn.

PREVIOUS STORY NEXT STORY SHARE YOUR STORY

feel good videoStray Dog Becomes the Star of a Wrestling Match

feel good storiesThis Dentist Brings His Dog In To Help People With Dental Anxiety

feel good storiesSecond Chances In The Saddle: The Retired Racehorses Finding Loving New Homes

feel good storiesA Guardian in the Light Fixture: Daughter Finds One Last Surprise Her Dad Left Behind

feel good storiesSmart Blackjack Strategies Every Player Should Know

feel good storiesGrateful Man Celebrates His 60th Birthday With Pizza, Receives Thousands Of Birthday Wishes

feel good videoA Sign Told These Tourists to “Follow the Cat,” So They Did

feel good videoMan Tests If His New Pants Fit With the Spider-Man Method

feel good videoPro Arm Wrestler Loses On Purpose So Dad Can Be Daughter's Hero

feel good videoThe Best Sports Tradition Ever: The Hawkeye Wave

feel good videoThese Middle Schoolers Made a 5-Year-Old’s Birthday Unforgettable