Exceptional 24-Year-Old worked as a waste collector to fund his education Achieves Doctor of Law Degree

Exceptional 24-Year-Old worked as a waste collector to fund his education Achieves Doctor of Law Degree

In a remarkable testament to perseverance and determination, Rehan Staton, a 24-year-old individual of exceptional resolve, has attained a Doctor of Law degree from the esteemed Harvard Law School in the United States.

Rehan Staton's academic journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, characterized by tenacity in the face of adversity. Prior to gaining admission into Harvard Law School, he encountered formidable challenges in securing funding for his education. To support his pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, United States, Rehan worked diligently as a waste collector.

Recalling the trials he faced in generating funds for his education, Rehan Staton shared that he spent years waking up in the early hours of the morning to collect trash before attending classes at the University of Maryland. The demanding job left him with little time to spare, often preventing him from showering, and led him to sit in the back of lecture halls to avoid drawing attention.

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During this trying period, Rehan Staton's father and brother made significant sacrifices to support his academic journey. His mother's absence, as she had moved back to Sri Lanka, added to the family's challenges. Rehan reflected on those difficult times, saying, "My mom abandoned my dad, my brother, and me when she moved back to Sri Lanka. I was probably too young to notice some of the things that happened, but I know it was bad. Things just kept falling on us. My dad lost his job at one point and had to start working three jobs to provide for us. It got to the point where I barely got to see my father, and a lot of my childhood was very lonely."

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Despite these daunting circumstances, Rehan Staton persevered. Facing numerous rejections from colleges in the United States, he eventually secured employment as a sanitation worker. A recommendation from a professor at Bowie State University opened the door for him to transfer to the University of Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in History.

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After graduating in 2018, Rehan embarked on an analyst position at a consulting firm in Washington D.C. However, his unwavering ambition led him to apply to various law schools, resulting in acceptances from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Law School, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Southern California, and Pepperdine University. Several other renowned universities placed him on their waitlists.

Ultimately, Rehan Staton made the decision to enroll at Harvard Law School to pursue his Doctor of Law (JD) certification. Through a fundraiser that garnered over $46,000 in support, he continued to overcome challenges on his path to academic excellence. According to his LinkedIn profile, he is slated to graduate with a Doctor of Law degree in June 2023.

Reflecting on his journey, Rehan Staton shared, "When I look back at my experiences, I like to think that I made the best of the worst situation. Each tragedy I faced forced me out of my comfort zone, but I was fortunate enough to have a support system to help me thrive in those predicaments." Rehan Staton's remarkable achievements serve as an inspiring reminder of the indomitable spirit and resilience that can lead to extraordinary success.