EMOTIONAL
Griffin’s journey continues to inspire others to persevere and never give up on their dreams.
“Courage rarely roars like a beast. At the end of the day, there is a still small voice that says, ‘I’ll try again tomorrow.'” — run away with Anne Radmacher.
In fact, tenacity and determination are the keys to success in life. The more we try, the better.
If we want to be the people we’ve always wanted to be, we have to persevere, like Gryphon Furlong, valedictorian of First Coast High School’s graduating class of 2014, did. Often the odds are against us and we feel like there’s no way out.
The best student in his class, this young lad never missed an assignment and graduated with honors. Many of Griffin’s friends and classmates did not know that he had been homeless for the previous 12 years. During high school, he and his brother and father were forced to stay in shelters and other people’s houses. When Griffin’s mother died when he was seven, his father struggled to support the family and they were forced to live on the streets.
Still, Gryphon put in a lot of effort in class. Many people knew about his troubles through his valedictorian address. They were, to put it mildly, stunned. Griffin’s friends were amazed at how demanding his life was.
In front of more than 500 people, this young guy said that “giving up is not the answer.”
I can’t remember how many nights I stayed awake alone on a cold plastic mattress. In an interview with Good Times, he said: “I cried thinking that my existence would soon disappear so that I would not have to suffer the hardships of a seemingly cruel world.”
No matter how much I wanted, I never gave up, he said. Please don’t lead an aimless life like others who have come before you.
You are aware of your ability to contribute. Therefore, never apologize – whether you realize it or not – especially if you have a loving family who can fulfill your every need and desire.
While attending Florida State University, he was given a place to stay by his girlfriend’s family.
“Courage rarely roars like a beast. After a day there is a still small voice that says, ‘I’ll try again tomorrow.'” — run away with Anne Radmacher.
In fact, tenacity and determination are the keys to success in life. The more we try, the better.
If we want to be the people we’ve always wanted to be, we have to persevere, like Gryphon Furlong, valedictorian of First Coast High School’s graduating class of 2014, did. Often the odds are against us and we believe there is no way out.
Griffin Furlong is on RIGHT NOW on @GMA. #HomelessValedictorian. Tune in! pic.twitter.com/QvbtCAmIuJ
— First Coast News (@FCN2go) June 13, 2014
The best student in his class, this young lad never missed an assignment and graduated with honors. Many of Griffin’s friends and classmates did not know that he had been homeless for the previous 12 years. During high school, he and his brother and father were forced to stay in shelters and other people’s houses. When Griffin’s mother died when he was seven, his father struggled to support the family and they were forced to live on the streets.
Still, Gryphon put in a lot of effort in class. Many people knew about his troubles through his valedictorian address. They were, to put it mildly, stunned. Griffin’s friends were amazed at how demanding his life was.
In front of more than 500 people, this young guy said that “giving up is not the answer.”
I can’t remember how many nights I stayed awake alone on a cold plastic mattress. In an interview with Good Times, he said: “I cried thinking that my existence would soon disappear so that I would not have to suffer the hardships of a seemingly cruel world.”
No matter how much I wanted, I never gave up, he said. Please don’t lead an aimless life like others who have come before you. You are aware of your ability to contribute. Therefore, never apologize – whether you realize it or not – especially if you have a loving family who can fulfill your every need and desire.
While attending Florida State University, he was given a place to stay by his girlfriend’s family.
I just want to show that you are capable of this despite your past struggles. “I never want to live that life again,” he told ABC News. I am doing all the necessary actions because I don’t want to live like this.
Gryphon and his fiancee want to start a scholarship for those facing similar difficulties.
Gryphon said in an interview with TODAY.com, “Just never give up.” I’ve been told all my life not to listen to those who tell you you can’t do anything. I was once told I wasn’t smart, but now I’m in the top third of my class.
As we celebrate Griffin’s achievements and applaud his determination, let’s also reflect on our own lives. Find the courage to overcome your own obstacles, never lose sight of your dreams, and lend a helping hand to those in need. May Griffin’s story serve as a constant reminder that with resilience, determination, and the support of others, we can overcome any adversity and achieve greatness.
Griffin Furlong, the valedictorian who triumphantly emerged from years of homelessness, has left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. His story will forever serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us that within each of us is the power to rise above our circumstances and change the world. Let’s honor his journey by embodying his unwavering determination, spreading kindness, and embracing the belief that tomorrow holds endless possibilities.