California Teen Elijah C. DeVaughn Jr. Awarded UK Rhodes Scholarship for Master's Degree at Oxford
Growing up in a single-parent household, Elijah faced challenges with his father serving a 13-year prison sentence. Despite these difficulties, he drew inspiration from his mother's hard work and his father's mistakes, fueling his determination to create a better life for himself.
AKACHI NOEL 
Elijah C. DeVaughn Jr., a brilliant California teen, has achieved a significant milestone by being awarded the prestigious Rhodes scholarship, allowing him to pursue his master's degree at the University of Oxford, England.
Elijah earned his bachelor's degree in History and Literature at Harvard University, showcasing exceptional academic prowess and a commitment to societal contributions, which contributed to his selection for the esteemed Rhodes scholarship.
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Growing up in a single-parent household, Elijah faced challenges with his father serving a 13-year prison sentence. Despite these difficulties, he drew inspiration from his mother's hard work and his father's mistakes, fueling his determination to create a better life for himself.
Elijah expressed gratitude for the life he was given, acknowledging that challenges, including his father's incarceration, ignited a fire within him to achieve more. He emphasized the transformative power of prayer and credited his upbringing for instilling a drive to succeed.
Entering Harvard, known for its academic rigor, Elijah viewed it as a testament to the rewards of hard work and determination. Throughout his Harvard journey, he overcame adversity, founding EJayyTalks, a lecture series in Compton aimed at inspiring youth. Additionally, he served as the Co-Chair of the Fellows Study Group program at Harvard’s Institute of Politics, earning accolades for his contributions.
Elijah sees criminal justice reform as a crucial civil rights issue in his generation. His plans at Oxford include a focused study of the journeys of Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X to the UK in the 19th and 20th centuries. By exploring their transnational coalitions, he aims to draw insights that can contribute to modern-day criminal justice reform.
Elijah's journey from a challenging background to receiving the Rhodes scholarship exemplifies the transformative power of education and determination, inspiring others to pursue their aspirations against all odds.
