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90-Year-Old War Hero Goes Back to School Reminding Us Age Is Just a Number
Uplifting News

90-Year-Old War Hero Goes Back to School Reminding Us Age Is Just a Number

In a heartwarming story that captured the attention of millions online, 90-year-old Paul Hocheder from Maryland embarked on a new adventure by returning to college. His granddaughter, Gabrielle Remington, shared his journey on TikTok, where it quickly became a sensation.From Soldier to Scholar — Why This Grandfather Is “Up for the Challenge”Paul Hocheder, 90, attended classes at Carroll Community College in Carroll County, Maryland | Gabrielle Remington / ABC NewsIt's one thing to take a gap year or two to "find yourself," but Paul Hocheder's is one pupil who's giving "mature student" a whole new meaning. Considering his age, many people doubted whether or not this was a challenge Hocheder was ready to take on, but the decision to return to college wasn't met with surprise by Remington. She knew exactly the kind of man her grandfather was."He told me, 'I think I'm going to go back to college.' And I thought, 'I'm not really surprised.' He loves learning," said Remington. "I was so excited for him to go back."This wasn't Paul Hocheder first time on a college campus. The brave Vietnam War hero graduated from the University of Maryland in 1960, after serving seven years in military service!His Inspiring Story Went Viral — “If He Can Do It, I Can Do It”There's not much in this life millions of people can agree on, but when it came to Hocheder's heartwarming story, it was unanimous: viewers could not get over how brave this veteran was to trade retirement for textbooks, after a life well lived!"I woke up the next day and there were 500,000 views!"Gabrielle RemingtonThe first video of him stepping onto campus garnered over 4 million views, showcasing his contagious enthusiasm. Her video even included a hilarious soundbite to illustrate the awesome moment she captured.Watch Gabrielle Remington's Video:Gabrielle Remington's video was such a hit‚ she has since posted several follow up videos to keep fans updated on her grandfather's humorous takes on college life. From class participation to campus fashion, Paul Hocheder has been dubbed "Pappy" by TikTokers who are endeared by his story.Leading by Example: How One Grandfather Inspired His GranddaughterGabrielle Remington / ABC NewsHocheder's journey wasn't just about personal fulfillment; it also became a catalyst for inspiring his granddaughter, Remington, to pursue her own educational goals."[He's] always been an advocate for education, and that's pushed me. I'm finishing up my degree now."Gabrielle RemingtonWitnessing her grandfather's unwavering commitment to learning motivated Remington to follow suit. His resilience and enthusiasm taught her the invaluable lesson that growth often lies outside of one's comfort zone.The “Lesson” Learned? Embrace Lifelong Learning!Gabrielle Remington/TikTokPaul Hocheder's story teaches us that it's never too late to pursue our passions or seek new challenges. Regardless of age, we can continue to grow, learn, and inspire others along the way. His journey reminds us of the timeless value of education and the unlimited opportunities it presents, no matter we have been or where life takes us.And don't forget to have fun on the way!More from Goalcast:Photographer Films Elderly Man on the Beach – Her Video Is Going Viral for This Sweet ReasonStranger Overhears Teen Laughing at Elderly Man Crying in the Bathroom – Teaches Him an Important LessonElderly Man Passes Away – Then, His Daughter Shows Up Clutching a Bag at His Neigbor’s House

Mom Works Four Jobs for Five Years to Save Money for College - Now Her Son Has Received a Full Scholarship to His Dream School
Uplifting News

Mom Works Four Jobs for Five Years to Save Money for College - Now Her Son Has Received a Full Scholarship to His Dream School

Waiting and finding out whether or not you got accepted into colleges can be an exciting and nail-biting, anxious moment. This is emphasized when it comes to your dream school, as is the case of Amir Staten, a Pennsylvania teen who recently went viral for his exuberant reaction when he got accepted into his ideal university.And the joy has continued to elevate as he learned he would be attending the school with his whole tuition being paid via a scholarship.Getting Accepted Into a Historical UniversityThis past February, Staten, based in Philadelphia, sparked many people's attention across the U.S. for his exuberant reaction to the acceptance.In a video shared by Good Morning America, Staten can be seen leaping up and down and yelling with pure happiness after getting accepted into Morehouse, a historically Black all-male university in Atlanta, Georgia."Let's go! I just got in. Mom, I just got in," he could be heard saying in the video.A few months after that heartwarming moment was filmed, Staten also discovered that he received a full-ride four-year scholarship to Morehouse. According to the university's website, it costs nearly $52,000 per year to attend while living on campus.New Remarkable University DevelopmentKarlynne Staten, Amir's mother, shared a video where he can be seen crying out of pleasant surprise when he found out he was one of 15 Bonner Scholars through an email."You don't have to pay for college," Amir can be heard explaining to his mom.Founded in 1990 by the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation, hailing from Princeton, New Jersey, the program aids the men of Morehouse by fostering service throughout the campus by helping them become accountable and honorable leaders while promoting positive changes in the world around them.Staten's mom revealed that he was an exceptional student as he received the honor roll and became head of his school's Black Student Union. He also was no stranger to sports as he was the basketball team captain.The Sacrifices One Mom Made for a Better FutureGiving back to the community, Staten's mom also said he completed 120 hours of community service."He has gone above and beyond of what is expected of him," Staten's mom told Good Morning America.Noting that Amir has a twin sister and that she fosters a young boy, Staten's mom took on other workloads to ensure they would be set for college."I have been working three or four jobs for the last four or five years so I could try to save up and maintain a household and still have some type of funding [for their college degrees]," she told the outlet.According to Kevin Booker, the dean and vice president of Morehouse student service, Staten, along with the other scholars in the program, will go to the Dominican Republic in their senior year of undergraduate studies. While there, they will work at an orphanage, fulfilling the scholarship's premise of helping those in need.More from Goalcast:She Was Born in Prison and Then Raised by a Single Dad – Years Later, She’s Going to Harvard on a Full Scholarship16-Year-Old Student Accepted to Over 186 Colleges — Receives More Than $10 Million in Scholarship Offers13-Year-Old Sells Tea on the Street in the Cold for Earthquake Victims – University Awards Him a Full Scholarship

Mother of 7 Graduates College as Valedictorian After 10 Years - A Note From Her Daughter Helped Her Overcome Various Hurdles
Uplifting News

Mother of 7 Graduates College as Valedictorian After 10 Years - A Note From Her Daughter Helped Her Overcome Various Hurdles

Ashley Payne's college graduation was unlike any other. While the occasion is momentous for anyone, it was made all the more special for Ashley as she balanced raising 7 children, and health complications, with her studies. Not only did Ashley complete her undergraduate studies at the age of 35, but she did so as the valedictorian of her class!How One Woman Was Inspired by Her Daughter’s Post-it NotePhoto by Lisa FotiosUnfortunately, Ashley's academic career was originally sidelined when she had a pulmonary embolism at only 18 years old -- just after high school. A sudden blockage of the arteries, the condition is grave, and highly unlikely for such a young person. “I was only 18 years old, and had zero cause for blood clots, so they kept me in the ICU for two weeks. This rattled my plan significantly,” Payne told a publication.Payne was forced to focus on her health, as life continued around her. Thankfully, she recovered fully, and soon began having children. Motherhood quickly became a full time job, and further delayed her education. Payne and her husband, Joseph, focused on growing their party rental business, and on raising their children.She even began working as a doula and a birth assistant before earning an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse degree in Midwifery.However, in 2019, 10 years and 7 children later, she felt well enough to return to school, and enrolled at Keiser University. However, tragedy would strike again when she lost her mother. She referred to her mother as her "greatest cheerleader," and struggled to continue her studies through the grief. However, Payne told a local publication that words from her daughter written on a sticky note ultimately kept her going:"Aim for the moon, and if you miss, you may hit a star.""She sent me to school with a Post-It note in her tiny handwriting,” Payne said via a press release from the university. “If she can realize the vast opportunities this world has to offer, so can you,” she told the audience at her commencement speech. How Family Support Helped a Woman Graduate CollegeThe support of her growing family carried her through difficult times and encouraged her to continue her studies, even as she became pregnant with two more children during the course of her education. As she took the stage at her graduation from Keiser University, she did so as valedictorian, addressing the crowd with powerful words of encouragement. Not coincidentally, she was also the valedictorian of her high school class, over a decade prior! In her university commencement speech, she referenced the note her daughter wrote, and how much the support of her family truly helped her. She graduated as a registered nurse with a Bachelor's degree in Science and Nursing, and intends to continue her studies and obtain a Master of Science degree in Nurse-Midwifery at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota.Her story is inspirational in the truest sense of the word. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable hurdles, Payne persevered. Not only did she make it through her degree, but she did so at the top of her class. Keiser University Chancellor Arthur Keiser, PhD, even beamed to a local publication: “We are incredibly proud of Ashley for being named valedictorian of her graduating class with a perfect 4.0 GPA.”How One Woman Proved the Importance of PerseverancePhoto by Goutinho De Flávio GFHer story is ultimately one of support. Whether from family or friends, encouragement from others is invaluable. The belief of those close to us can inject us with a newfound drive, confidence, and enthusiasm. Though motherhood made Ashley's studies all the more taxing, it is also what ultimately propelled her to keep going when it seemed too daunting. Her daughter, Lorelai, had no idea how powerful that one note would become. She recalled, "I can't believe the impact it has even now; I'm getting interviewed about this. I didn't know that that's what I'd be doing when I wrote this at 9 years old."We are all capable of encouraging those in our life in the way Lorelai did, and it is paramount that we do so when given the opportunity. Ashley's story is one of determination, perseverance, and familial support. As she continues on her journey towards obtaining her Master of Science degree, her story continues to inspire and motivate us all to pursue our goals relentlessly, and support those close to us doing the same. More from Goalcast:Inspired by Her Son’s Dying Wish, Woman Graduates From College in His Place With the Highest RankWoman Gives Birth to Baby Boy – Less Than 24 Hours Later, She Rushes to Graduate College With a PhD56-Year-Old Grandfather Always Dreamed of Playing College Baseball — His Dream Just Came True

Young Woman Who Cant Afford University Decides to Go to Community College Instead - Then She Opens a Letter That Changes Everything
Uplifting News

Young Woman Who Cant Afford University Decides to Go to Community College Instead - Then She Opens a Letter That Changes Everything

University is a huge deal. Not only is it a major learning experience, it’s also a huge financial commitment. That’s why when TikToker Madi (@luvlyymadiii) received letters from universities after applying, she decided to not even open them. She had made the very hard decision to go to community college, knowing that she couldn’t afford the hefty bill that came with a university.Why One Woman Decided to Go to Community CollegePhoto by PixabayFinally, just 24 hours before final decision day, she decided to open all of the letters out of curiosity. She had already decided on community college, so opening the letter was just a way to pass the time.That’s when she saw that her dream University, Maryville College in Tennessee, had accepted her application and offered her a $104,000 scholarship! Madi was devastated. She had already accepted that she was attending the local community college and started orientation. Madi was sad and frustrated. It was too late. Madi recorded her reaction to the letter on TikTok, and the whole situation went viral. Many commenters asked her why she hadn’t opened the letters, and the truth is -- she was overwhelmed! “Finds out I had a $104,000 scholarship from one of my top 3 colleges. I already decided to go to a community college bc I thought uni would be to much debt.” She wouldn’t have been able to afford it, and between working and finishing high school, she just needed to make a decision. Even with the discovery of the scholarship, she wasn’t sure what to do.Some Things Are Meant to BeThat is, until Maryville College found her viral video and commented on it: “It’s not too late to come! Reach out to admissions or feel free to DM and I’ll get you in touch with the right folks!”Other commenters were also encouraging, even though they couldn’t wrap their heads around why she wouldn’t open the letters as soon as they came in the mail. “You opened it a day before the decision for a reason. Go and get that uni education w/ the scholarship!! It’ll be worth it!”Madi’s future seems to have been written in the stars. She opened the letters before the final decision day for a reason, posted on social media for a reason, and finally, accepted the offer for a reason. We still don’t know why, but we do know that Madi is going to do big things thanks to her education from Maryville College. When something so perfect works out against all odds, you know it's meant to be. More from Goalcast:13-Year-Old Sells Tea on the Street in the Cold for Earthquake Victims – University Awards Him a Full ScholarshipElderly Neighbor Calls the Cops on a 9-Year-Old Black Girl Because He Was “Scared” – Then Yale University Takes OverMan Attends University Graduation – Notices Random 68-Year-Old Applauding for Every Single Student for This Reason

Millionaire Sees 12-Year-Old Boy Studying Under Street Light - Is So Moved He Builds Him a Home
Everyday Heroes

Millionaire Sees 12-Year-Old Boy Studying Under Street Light - Is So Moved He Builds Him a Home

Education is an opportunity many of us may take for granted. Whether it is because we grew up in homes that “expected” us to pursue education, or it’s because we live in societies where there is greater access to education, many of us are guilty of overlooking just how grateful we really should be.Street SmartPhoto by Francesco UngaroWell, there is one young boy, Victor Angulo, who did not take his education for granted. In fact, at the young age of 12 years old, Victor was discovered night after night studying underneath a streetlamp.You see, Victor’s family did not have electricity at their home in Moche, Peru, so every night Victor ventured to the streets of Moche to read and complete his homework underneath the outdoor street light.Someone recorded a video of Victor studying at night, and it went viral, for good reason. It is heartbreaking and the image is unforgettable. But, while the photo of a 12-year-old boy laying out on the sidewalk alone completing his studies under a streetlamp at night is a difficult image for the heart to handle, it also prompted one good samaritan into action.From Business Man to BenefactorYaqoob Mubarak, a millionaire and businessman from Bahrain, took matters into his own hands. The issue was clear: Victor’s family needed help. Mubarak decided to venture to Moche himself, and build Victor and his family a new home. Furthermore, he decided to give the family money so that they could start a business."Thank you for the help you are offering, thank you very much because you are helping us to build our school (...) to continue studying."Victor AnguloAnd they say angels don’t exist.The beautiful thing about both Victor Angulo’s actions and Yaqoob Mubarak’s is that they both took matters into their own hands. Victor did not have electricity at home but was determined to obtain an education, and so he went to far lengths to study. Yaqoob Mubarak identified a need and recognized that he could provide the solution, and so he did. Both Victor and Yaqoob did what had to be done, and that is always an admirable trait.Taking Matters Into Our Own HandsWhen we go to far lengths, whether it be for ourselves or for others, we expend energy. As human beings we only have so much energy to expend in a day. However, we allocate this internal resource towards what we believe requires our immediate attention.Victor believed it was worth it to spend his nights studying under a streetlight and Yaqoob believed it was worth it to build him a house so he could do so in privacy, with dignity, and within the comfort of his own home. Both believed in the value of pursuing an education, which at the end of the day truly leaves you to wonder -- what is the real value of an education?Upon closer reflection one may come to realize that the opportunities that come with an education are exponential.The amassing of knowledge and life skills are essential for providing equal opportunities, so that no other young boy like Victor Angulo at 12 years old, has to lay on the sidewalk under a streetlamp so that he can complete his education.More from Goalcast:Homeless Man Bursts Into Tears After Finding Out Strangers Raised Over $15,000 For Him to Buy a HouseAfter Sleeping on Garage Floor, Homeless Boy Sobs When He Learns His Family Finally Has a HouseMom and Her 4 Kids Were Stuck in an Abusive Situation – So She Built Her Own House Using YouTube to EscapeGive back to those who need itWhether it's saving someone at sea or giving up your plane seat, kindness makes a lasting impact.

12-Year-Old Is Forced to Start Working to Pay Bills - Finally, She Decides to Finish What She Started 60 Years Ago
Uplifting News

12-Year-Old Is Forced to Start Working to Pay Bills - Finally, She Decides to Finish What She Started 60 Years Ago

When it comes to accomplishing dreams you set out for yourself as a kid, it’s never too late. One great-grandmother from Queensland is living proof that your dreams stick with you forever.Sharon Sutton didn’t grow up with much. When she was a kid, she wasn’t able to attend high school because of a lack of resources. At age 12, she got a job to help her family pay the bills. Why One Woman Had to Start Working at 12 Years OldPhoto by cottonbro studioFast forward six decades and 73-year-old Sharon is pictured throwing her graduate cap during her commencement ceremony. “I've never stopped learning," Sharon said. “Even in those 55 years between finishing primary school and starting university, I don't think I ever stopped learning. I was always reading something and finding something new.”As a kid, Sharon loved to go to school. She had aspirations of becoming a history and geography teacher when she graduated. “I just assumed I was going on to high school,” she said. “I said something to my mum about, ‘Next year when I go to high school’ — and she told me that there was no high school… because mum and dad didn't have the money to buy uniforms or books or shoes. I was 12 when I started working in a clothing factory, which today would be called a sweatshop.”Sharon always knew she would get her degree one day. Over the next 40 years, Sharon and her husband worked on a cattle farm while raising their children and grandchildren.When she retired, she remembered what she set out to do and enrolled herself at the University of the Sunshine Coast. At school, she studied a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and minoring in history and Indigenous studies.How a Grandmother Proved the Importance of Chasing Your Dreams Today, Sharon stands proud of the five years she worked to get her degree. She was constantly surrounded by people much younger than her but always managed to keep her head up. “I didn't just scrape over the line, she said. “I got good marks in so many subjects and so many assignments.” What Sharon found the most difficult in all of her studies was the technological aspect. She had to create PowerPoints and submit online assignments, which she had never done before. “I can remember submitting my first assignment and wondering whether it was going into the black hole of technology and if I'd ever see it again,” Sharon said. “PowerPoint presentations were an absolute nightmare, but I always got over the line with the content.” When Sharon was completing the forms for graduation everything became real. "I started to cry. I thought, 'Gee, it's real now, it’s not something just down the track. It's actually going to happen, I'm actually going to get a university degree,'” she said. “I think Mum would be proud.”Sharon’s message to everyone wanting to further their education is to “just go for it.” It’s never too late to finish what you started. “The environment and the atmosphere is so good, and mixing with the young people and listening to their views on things — it's just a great experience,” she mentioned. “I miss it terribly already.”More from Goalcast:Boy Walks More Than 2 Hours to Make It to His Graduation – Then an NFL Star Steps Up With a Free RideSingle Mom Asks Stranger to Cheer for Her Daughter at Graduation – Little Did She Know Just What He Was About to DoTeacher Thinks His Students Are Looking “Scruffy” at Their Graduation – Gives Them All Free Haircuts in School

Employee Blocks Teen From Riding Ferris Wheel Because of Her Disability - So Her Stunned Friends Take Action
Uplifting News

Employee Blocks Teen From Riding Ferris Wheel Because of Her Disability - So Her Stunned Friends Take Action

*Featured image contains photo by Tim GouwUnfortunately, people with Down Syndrome have been stereotyped and discriminated against for years. And while the condition is completely different than it was even 20 years ago, a lack of education and ongoing prejudice mean it’s important to continue speaking out and sharing stories.This is exactly what one teen wanted to do after she experienced unexpected discrimination during a school trip.A Fun Outing Takes an Unexpected TurnKathryn Embry was with her class on a trip to Scheels in Overland Park, Kansas having a great time with her friends. The day took an unexpected turn, however, when the 18-year-old was denied entry to the sporting goods store’s Ferris wheel because she had a “disability.”Not only was Embry upset, but her friends and soccer teammates Emily Kramer and Morgan McGruder were angry too.“It made me really upset because I know that Kathryn is an amazing girl,” McGruder told Fox4. Kramer added the school couldn’t do anything, which made them even angrier.“Just because someone might look different than someone else, you shouldn’t assume their capabilities. Kathryn can do anything we can do,” McGruder added.Frustrated, the girls teamed up with Embry and recorded a video about the incident to share on social media and help spread the word that this kind of discrimination isn’t okay.“I tried to go on the Ferris wheel with my buddy, but they said I can’t because I have disabilities,” Kathryn said in the video.Setting the Record StraightAfter hearing about the incident, Embry’s mom called the store. The manager explained that while he wasn’t aware of the specific incident, the store has a policy that everyone riding the Ferris wheel needs to be able to follow the rules. The class that day was half made up of kids with special learning needs and half of the peers who work with them.“They said everybody with disabilities in the group, you need to have a person who’s an adult chaperone,” Karen said. Her issue, however, was that no one asked her daughter if she understood the rules. She did, perfectly.“The thing is, Kathryn has Down Syndrome, so you can look at her and see that she has a disability,” Karen said. “But it says nothing about what her capabilities are. She can read the rules. She can follow the rules.”“I’ve been on the Scheels trip before. They’ve let other students with disabilities ride with peer tutors,” Kramer explained. “They told her she couldn’t even ride with a peer, with another student, which is just outrageous.”Raising AwarenessUltimately, Embry isn’t out to hurt anybody or to start a call to action against the store. What she hopes to gain by sharing her story is awareness: she wants to educate others so that these types of incidents stop happening.She and her mom would also appreciate a policy change and perhaps an apology.“We’re not here about a boycott [or to] shut down a business that’s been very generous in our community,” Kathryn’s family told the publication. “We’re about educating — not just the community at large, but business," she continued. "Even if it’s unintentional, it’s still illegal, and it’s still wrong because it perpetuates stereotypes and it hurts a population, especially who are hitting this young adult stage.”Standing Up for What’s RightThis story is a great reminder to all of us that we don’t know what we don’t know, but it is on us to educate ourselves and to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes in order to eliminate stereotypes and prejudices. We can only be an ally if we take the time to learn and understand those around us who may be different, after all.More importantly, the kindness of Embry’s friends and the way they were so quick to defend her is heartwarming and inspiring. When we see an injustice, it’s important to speak up and be there for others rather than burying our heads in the sand.More from Goalcast:Parents Abandon Baby With Down Syndrome at Birth — Years Later, She’s a Famous ActorMan With Down Syndrome Has Worked at Wendy’s for 20 Years – Instead of Rewarding His Loyalty, He Was Fired

16-Year-Old Student Accepted to Over 186 Colleges Receives More Than $10 Million in Scholarship Offers
Uplifting News

16-Year-Old Student Accepted to Over 186 Colleges Receives More Than $10 Million in Scholarship Offers

For many students, getting a scholarship is a big deal. For some students, having that financial security is the only way they can pursue education after high school.And for 16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes, securing financing for college has been a steadfast dream — one he’s been working towards for years.One Smart CookieThe New Orleans senior always knew he wanted plenty of options for his post-secondary school education, so when it came time to apply to colleges, he cast his net far and wide. So far, in fact, he applied to a whopping 200 schools.“I just kept going forward, kept applying, kept applying to different schools that I thought would even remotely interest me,” Barnes explained to the Associated Press.As it turns out, plenty of schools were interested in the student. It’s no wonder, given his 4.98-grade point average and the 27 college credits he’s already accumulated. In the end, 186 colleges and universities extended offers, and 149 of them also offered scholarships totaling $10 million.Those are numbers that Barnes’ International High School of New Orleans believes to be a record for any student.And the Winning School Is…When Barnes graduates on May 24, he knows exactly where he’s headed: Cornell. There, the student plans to study computer science and will potentially go on to law school, too. The Ithaca, New York, school is far from home, but Barnes is excited to see something new.“I have committed to attend Cornell University and intend to pursue computer science and to later move on to practice software development,” said Barnes in a Cornell sweatshirt during an interview with CNN.“Today is an exciting day for me and my family, and I look forward to working with Cornell’s College of Engineering over the course of my undergraduate education.”Barnes added that he always knew he wanted to study computer science and that he chose Cornell because it is the “best Ivy League for engineering.” He believes the school will set him up for success and give him a quality education.“I would like to get away from New Orleans. I love my city, but I do want to venture out and experience new things and see the new things that I haven’t seen before,” he added. “[I hope to] get an understanding and different perspective of the world, have my eyes opened and my perceptions changed by the people around me for the better.”Taking a ChanceCollege and university aren’t for everyone: after graduation, some students prefer to pursue a trade, travel the globe, or find some other vocation that’s more in line with their personality and interests. This story still resonates, though, because it shows that with dedication and perseverance, dreams are possible. It also shows the importance of taking a chance.Yes, Barnes was lucky enough to have the proper guidance and financial security while in high school to dedicate himself to his studies, which in turn led him to his early successes. But one of the reasons he was able to procure so many offers is that he applied to 200 schools. It just goes to show you there’s strength in numbers and something powerful about taking your shot.That could mean applying for a job you don’t necessarily think you’re qualified for but really want. Or it could be trying out a sport or hobby you’ve always wanted to learn but didn’t feel confident enough to try before. Maybe it’s working up the courage to ask that special person out. The point is, if you don’t try, you’ll never know.Sure, maybe it won’t work out the way you’d hoped. Or maybe, just maybe, it could lead to a whole new world of opportunities and that fresh start you’ve been dreaming about.

Racist Woman Calls Police on Black Man Driving 2 White Kids - Little Did She Know Who He Really Was in the Community
Uplifting News

Racist Woman Calls Police on Black Man Driving 2 White Kids - Little Did She Know Who He Really Was in the Community

There’s a pretty famous saying about making assumptions. But sometimes, assuming something can do more than make you look silly — it can also be dangerous. Yet, unfortunately, it was racism and preconceived notions that led one woman to call the police on a Black babysitter in Georgia for absolutely no reason.A Surprising EncounterCorey Lewis was babysitting for David Parker and Dana Mango one afternoon in Marietta, Georgia, when he decided to take the six-year-old boy and his sister to Subway at the local Walmart for lunch. Lewis knew them from his youth mentorship program, which the 27-year-old founded and runs.As they were finishing up, an unidentified woman came up to the car and asked if the kids were all right, according to Lewis.“I was taken aback and responded, 'Why wouldn't they be?'” Lewis told BuzzFeed News. “She told me 'It looked weird,' and I was like, 'They're fine.'”What looked weird to the woman? The fact that Lewis is Black and the children are white. From there, she couldn’t let it go. She left, circled the parking lot in her car, then returned, as per Lewis.“She then asked if the little girl could get out of the car so she could ask her if she knew who I was,” he continued. “And I said no and she got upset and threatened to take down my license plate and call the cops. I said OK and she drove off.”A Scary TurnWhen the kids finished eating, Lewis ensured they were both safe in the car and drove off to get gas. That’s when he realized the woman was tailing them in her car. He took out his phone and began recording the encounter.“All because I got two kids in the backseat who do not look like me... It's crazy,” he said in the video. “It's 2018 and this is what I have to deal with. I can't go out with two kids who don't look like me without it being weird.”Lewis was about to take the kids home when the woman kept following them, so he decided to go to his house instead. It was closer, plus his mother was home. When he arrived and pulled over, he took out his phone again and recorded a second video.“She turned on my street too and then kind of stopped near the cul-de-sac and then, a few minutes later, the police officer showed up and began asking me questions,” Lewis told BuzzFeed News.In the video, you can hear the approaching police officer ask Lewis what’s up.“I am being followed and harassed; that's what's up,” Lewis said. “I've heard,” the officer answered with a laugh. He then questioned the kids and everyone went on their way. Still, the incident could have been a lot worse.Dealing With the Aftermath Afterward, the kids had a lot of questions, and the parents were shocked it had happened in the first place.“We never thought we would have to prepare them for a traffic stop or being pulled out of a car by cops when we weren't there,” the dad, Parker, explained to BuzzFeed News. “My wife really kept thinking it was a prank. It's difficult to wrap my head around what would motivate someone to do that,” he continued.According to Lewis and the family, they’re still trying to figure out who the woman was because the kids want her to know what a stand-up community man Lewis actually is.“My son wants her to know how much fun he has with Mr. Lewis and what a great guy he is. Both kids also want to ask her why she thought it was weird that 'someone with brown skin was with someone with peachy skin.' Even superficially, they knew what was happening and they want to know why.”As for Lewis, he’s sad but is trying to see the positive side of things.“I work with white kids every day, and even though you always hear about this stuff, it's still so demoralizing when it happens to you,” Lewis added. “I guess the good side of it is that it keeps a light on an issue that we need to keep talking about.”Throwing Away Preconceived NotionsWhile it’s always important to try and help if a child seems in distress or something is off about their situation, there was no basis in this specific circumstance for this woman to have intervened. In fact, her actions could have caused more danger than good.It’s a reminder that we should all try and check preconceived notions and not make snap judgments about people or situations without actually knowing what’s going on. People are always going through things we can’t see, and just because someone may look one way to you doesn’t mean that’s who they are inside.Instead, educate yourself, talk about these issues, and share stories such as these. The only way for things to get better is to be transparent and share the messages behind the stories as we all work toward a more unified future for everyone.

Two Teens Were Wrongfully Convicted and Spent 15 Years in Prison - Little Did They Know What Was Coming Next
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Two Teens Were Wrongfully Convicted and Spent 15 Years in Prison - Little Did They Know What Was Coming Next

Michael Sutton and Kenny Phillips were just teenagers when they were arrested, tried, and found guilty of attempted murder. Sutton was sentenced to 41 years in prison. Phillips was sentenced to 92.It was a crime they didn't commit. 15 years after being wrongfully convicted and imprisoned, the two men were exonerated and freed from jail. But not before losing a decade and a half of their lives to a horrible injustice.It's a wrong the University of Akron is trying to make right. The university just granted the two men full scholarships, giving them a chance at the future they were so unfairly denied.How Two Innocent Teens Were Wrongly Convicted for a Crime They Didn’t CommitPhoto by RODNAE ProductionsIn May 2006, high school seniors Sutton, then 17, and Phillips were out with friends celebrating Phillips' 18th birthday. They were on their way home with two other friends when they found themselves in the middle of a drive-by shooting."It went down the same night as my 18th birthday," Phillips, 34, told News 5 Cleveland. "Everybody was like, 'Let's go out for your birthday. Let's celebrate.' But wrong place, wrong time."According to the University of Cincinnati's Ohio Innocence Project (a nonprofit that works to release wrongfully convicted people from prison), the 4 boys were stuck in traffic when someone in a gold-colored car in front of them leaned out and fired at another vehicle. Two people suffered injuries. Police arrested Sutton and his friends and they were charged with multiple counts including attempted murder and assault. Two of the teens were eventually found not guilty. However, Sutton and Phillips were convicted of the crimes after two police officers falsely testified that the shots came from the teens' car and that Phillips also fired shots at officers during a foot chase.At the time of their conviction, there was no physical evidence linking them to the crime. The prosecution was never able to produce a gun or any shell casings and there was no one that corroborated the officers' version of events, despite a crowd of witnesses that night.And yet, a jury found the teens guilty and sentenced them to prison where they would end up serving 15 years.How the Two Innocent Men Were Finally ExoneratedIn May 2021, thanks to new evidence brought to light by the Ohio Innocence Project and the Wrongful Conviction Project, Sutton and Phillips' initial convictions were overturned. After years of proclaiming their innocence, they were finally released from prison.And in September 2022, a jury unanimously found them not guilty in a retrial.A decade and a half later, their nightmare finally came to an end."This is what happens when police officers get it wrong and refuse to acknowledge their mistake," Donald Caster, Sutton's lawyer with the Innocence Project said in a statement. "Michael and Kenny were robbed of their early adulthood. Everything that people do in their late teens and twenties — to college, start a career, meet their partner, start a family — has all been delayed for Michael and Kenny. They are remarkable and they will overcome what was taken from them, but they shouldn't have to."Leaders at the University of Akron in Ohio agree.The University of Akron Steps Up & Takes a Stand Against InjusticePhoto by Element5 DigitalAfter hearing about what happened to Sutton and Phillips, the University of Akron decided to give the men back a piece of their future that was stolen.The school's president, Gary L. Miller, reached out to them and offered them full-ride scholarships to the university.Miller explained, "We are doing this as a way to present an opportunity ripped from their lives. An education gives you the opportunity for a fresh start."For Sutton, it's a full-circle moment. He had a full-ride scholarship to Akron back in 2006 before his life exploded. "It feels like a dream come true," Sutton said of the second chance scholarship. "This was something I always dreamed about but being locked in prison for so long I didn't think it could happen."He plans on pursuing a degree in business administration.As for Phillips, he also plans to take the university up on its offer. He's looking into taking business, sports management, or social work. They will both start courses in the fall."God gave us back everything we thought we lost, double time," said Phillips. "I gotta keep going strong not just for myself because I thought it was for myself, but for God. He was like, 'No, I saved you for a reason, keep putting out the message.'"By giving them the opportunity to pursue their education without the burden of student debt, the university has given them a chance to start fresh and build a new future for themselves. A future they both deserve.