15-Year-Old Homeless Girl Bags Sociology Degree at US University, Set to Become a Lawyer

Her father, a carpenter and handyman in Central Florida, struggled to cope with the economic downturn, compounded by the loss of Arielle's mother during that period. With the family living in a truck, Arielle's determination to pursue education remained unwavering.

15-Year-Old Homeless Girl Bags Sociology Degree at US University, Set to Become a Lawyer

A resilient 15-year-old girl named Arielle Metzger has achieved a remarkable feat by earning a Sociology degree from Stetson University in the United States despite facing the challenges of homelessness. Arielle, who maintained a 3.5 grade point average, recounted her journey, which began during the Great Recession of 2008 when her family lost their home to foreclosure, leaving them homeless.

Her father, a carpenter and handyman in Central Florida, struggled to cope with the economic downturn, compounded by the loss of Arielle's mother during that period. With the family living in a truck, Arielle's determination to pursue education remained unwavering.

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During this challenging time, Arielle caught the attention of a social worker who interviewed her family for a show, during which Arielle wore a Stetson vest she found. Following the broadcast, the President of Stetson University reached out to Arielle and offered her a full scholarship contingent on graduating from high school with good grades.

Despite the hardships, Arielle's perseverance paid off, and she eventually found stability with a foster family in Clermont, Florida, who supported her aspirations. Under her new name, Autumn Hope Johnson, Arielle enrolled at Stetson University with a full-ride scholarship, majoring in sociology, minoring in religious studies, and earning membership in the National Honor Society.

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Looking ahead, Arielle aspires to attend law school and become an advocate for children, leveraging her experiences to make a positive impact. She expressed gratitude for the support she received and emphasized her determination to seize opportunities through focused dedication to her studies.

As she embarks on her journey towards a legal career, Arielle's resilience serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of determination in overcoming adversity and achieving academic success.