Michael Jeffery, a man from Washington, D.C., who spent two years living in a tent, recently graduated from a free high school for adults.
During The COVID-19 pandemic, Jeffery lost his jobs at Waffle House and a clothing company, as well as his home, and unwillingly resorted to camping beneath a bridge in the Navy Yard region.
“I didn’t want to be stuck out here,” he told NBC 4 Washington. “I don’t wish this on anybody, to be stuck out here.” “We don’t want pity,” he added. Many people in this scenario [are] like me. We want more and better.”
Out of desperation to change his situation, he enrolled in the Goodwill Excel Center, a free high school for adults, in 2022.
Throughout the academic year, Jeffery continued to live in a tent while attending courses and studying.
He graduated at the National Press Club last Friday as one of 56 students from the adult charter high school Goodwill Excel Center High School in Washington, D.C., which provides the opportunity to obtain a high school diploma and a certificate rather than a GED.
As valedictorian, he addressed to his students about his choice to travel to Washington, D.C. to change the narrative of his life.
After enrolling at The Excel Center, Jeffrey took the bus to the campus near the White House. He regarded it as a second chance to obtain his high school certificate, which he had always sought. He went on to say, “I just had to push myself.” “I’m not going to give up.” “I’m not one to give up.”
The program is normally completed in two years, but Jeffrey was able to complete it in just one. He worked hard to get a tutor or other resources if he didn’t understand a concept in class and frequently achieved high marks.
During his speech, he thanked the institution for assisting him in his pursuit of an education. “A lot of people don’t get that second chance, and Goodwill allowed that second chance for me, and I appreciate that,” he said.

To the graduates between the ages of 17 and 68, he said, “Nothing worthwhile is easy.”
Jeffrey plans to attend Catholic University in the fall to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. He’s also transitioning from a tent to an apartment.
“I just want to continue learning,” Jeffrey told WTOP. “Initially, it was all about money. Now all I want to do is learn. When I pursue knowledge rather than money, I am at ease.”