A man who once worked as a garbage collector to support his family has now graduated from Harvard Law School
Rehan Staton, a former trash hauler, has achieved a remarkable feat by graduating from Harvard Law School, thanks to his unwavering dedication and hard work. In a memorable 90-minute commencement ceremony held at Harvard’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Staton received his Juris Doctorate, basking in the cheers of an ecstatic crowd.
Courtesy of Rehan Staton
Staton’s journey to success took a lot of work. Growing up with his brother, they were raised single-handedly by their father, who toiled tirelessly in multiple jobs to provide for their modest family. Life was challenging for the Staton family, with limited food supplies and intermittent access to electricity. Their living conditions were far from ideal, with holes in the ceilings, black mold in the basement, and areas of the house lacking proper flooring.
Staton dreamt of becoming a professional boxer or excelling in taekwondo at a young age, hoping that sports could lift his family out of poverty. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury forced him to abandon these dreams prematurely. After completing high school, his focus shifted to finding a job to support his father, whose health had deteriorated due to a stroke. Staton and his brother had to halt their education during this challenging period.
Courtesy of Rehan Staton
Fate led Staton to secure employment as a sanitary worker for Bates Trucking and Trash Removal in Bladensburg, Maryland. While the job could have been better, it provided the means to make ends meet for his family. Interestingly, refurbishing dumpsters helped Staton financially and gave him a valuable perspective on his future aspirations. Some of his coworkers, who had previously been incarcerated, encouraged him not to follow their path and urged him to pursue higher education.
Courtesy of Rehan Staton
Inspired by the words of his supportive coworkers, Staton enrolled at Bowie State University before transferring to the University of Maryland. His relentless hard work paid off; in 2018, he completed his undergraduate studies. Within a year, he achieved an impressive result on the LSAT and decided to apply to Harvard Law School.
Staton knew the challenges of gaining admission to such a prestigious institution. Nevertheless, he gave it his all. To his astonishment, he secured acceptance and garnered significant attention when his Harvard acceptance video went viral. Tyler Perry, the renowned actor, generously offered to cover Staton’s educational expenses, and others rallied around him, raising over $200,000 through GoFundMe.
Courtesy of Rehan Staton
Staton acknowledges that while hard work played a vital role in his journey, the support he received from those around him was crucial. From his trash company coworkers, who advocated for his pursuit of higher education, to a compassionate boss who allowed him time off work to attend school, and a cousin who assisted him with LSAT preparation, Staton is deeply grateful for their belief in him. As a testament to his gratitude and desire to make a difference, he founded an organization called The Reciprocity Effect. Through this initiative, Staton aims to foster a more cohesive community at Harvard, bridging the gap between staff and students.
Although Staton has now achieved his dream of graduating from Harvard Law School, he remains connected to his childhood aspirations. He aspires to combine his legal acumen with his passion for sports and ultimately lead a professional sports team. Staton emphasizes that despite the allure and opportunities of a prestigious law degree, he is determined to stay true to himself and his roots.
Courtesy of Rehan Staton
Watch the video below to witness Rehan Staton’s inspiring journey to success.
Rehan Staton’s extraordinary transformation from a trash hauler to a Harvard Law School graduate is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the support of those who believe in us. His story inspires us to overcome obstacles, pursue our dreams, and never forget our humble beginnings.
