Lashawn Samuel: From Walking Miles for Homework to Winning 12 Full University Scholarships
Samuel persevered through adversity. To complete his homework, he walked three miles (approximately 5 kilometers) daily from his home to the Franklinton branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
AKACHI NOEL 
Lashawn Samuel, a determined young man from Ohio, has defied the odds by gaining acceptance to 12 prestigious universities across the United States, each offering him a full scholarship. His remarkable achievement comes after overcoming significant challenges, including poverty and personal tragedy.
Living in a troubled neighborhood where his home was repeatedly burglarized and witnessing the tragic loss of a close friend to violence, Samuel persevered through adversity. To complete his homework, he walked three miles (approximately 5 kilometers) daily from his home to the Franklinton branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
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Expressing his excitement about his university acceptances, Samuel remarked, “I was so excited that I was going to college. Even if nobody else accepted me, I had this in my pocket. I knew that I had done what I had to do to get into college and my hard work was paying off.”
Samuel, who has chosen to enroll at Ohio State University, attributed his success to the support of his family, friends, and community, as well as his faith in God. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasized the importance of perseverance in overcoming challenges.
“The kid has tremendous perseverance and he just keeps going,” commented Kelly Young, an associate at the Columbus Metropolitan Library where Samuel sought academic assistance.
Samuel’s journey to college not only marks a personal milestone but also makes him the first in his family to pursue higher education. His determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to others facing similar obstacles, demonstrating that with dedication and faith, challenges can be overcome.
As Samuel prepares to embark on this new chapter at Ohio State University, he looks forward to furthering his education and continuing to inspire others with his remarkable story of triumph over adversity.
