From Poverty to Success: How Paul Lamar Hunter Became the First College Graduate in a Family of 21 Siblings

Paul Lamar Hunter is a living proof that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. Born in 1970 in Racine, Wisconsin, he was the 19th child of James and Louise Hunter, who had 21 children in total. His childhood was marked by poverty, neglect, and tragedy. He lost his father and a brother in a house fire, and his mother struggled to run a homeless shelter she founded.

Despite the hardships, Paul did not give up on his education. He enrolled in Upper Iowa University and earned a degree in business administration in 2012, becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college. He was 41 years old at the time.

Paul’s remarkable achievement is not only a personal triumph, but also an inspiration for many people who face similar challenges. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 23% of African Americans aged 25 and older had a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2019. Paul hopes to motivate others to overcome their obstacles and pursue their goals.

Michael Jeffery is a man who defied the odds and achieved his dream of graduating high school at the age of 32. He was living in a tent in a park when he enrolled at Goodwill Excel Center, a free charter high school for adults. He completed his courses in less than a year and graduated as the valedictorian of his class.

Jeffery’s story is one of resilience, determination and courage. He lost his job and his home during the Covid-19 pandemic, which affected millions of people around the world. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for people with less than a high school diploma was 9.1% in September 2021, compared to 4.5% for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Jeffery was one of those who struggled to find work and stability without a diploma.

He decided to change his situation by enrolling at Goodwill Excel Center, which provides free child care, coaching and support, college and career pathways, and small class sizes for adult learners. He said he was motivated by his desire to make his family proud and to prove himself wrong. “I always thought I was too dumb to finish school, but I realized that I just needed the right opportunity and guidance,” he said.