MIAMI (WSVN) — It’s not every day a 60-year-old homeless man graduates from college, but thanks to an organization, one man got the chance of a lifetime.
Meet Tony Rhodriquez, he’s a 60-year-old homeless man living in Miami-Dade County. Right now, he does not have a job. However, he knows one thing — this is going to change. "I know how to be passionate about a job," he said. "I think passion is the one thing that drives people for success."
But he’s not only banking on this passion. After overcoming an addiction to drugs and alcohol, Rhodriquez knew he wanted to make an even better life for himself. "I said to myself, ‘One day, there’s got to be something better than this. I’m strong enough to do something better than this.’"
So he decided to enroll at Miami-Dade College.
Now, he’s graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business, paid for by scholarships and grants, fulfilling a life-long dream of his, as well as a promise he made to his parents years ago. "The one thing you do is never give up, ever, no matter what," he said.
His achievements were made possible thanks in part to the Choose Love Foundation. Thanks to the organization, he said he’s been able to make it to graduation weekend.
And that’s why Rhodriquez shared his story. He wants to inspire others, like himself, to give them the extra motivation they need to turn a dream into reality. He said, "If I could help one person get into school, I’ve done my job for God."
If you want to cheer him on, he will be graduating at 8 a.m., Saturday, at the Knight Center in Downtown Miami.
For more information on the Choose Love Foundation, visit their Facebook page or check them out on Instagram at @chooselovefoundation.