From homeless to cum laude: A graduate’s journey

Posted by Contributing Writer × 12/09/2011 at 11:03 am

At one point in his life, after he joined the army to escape a girlfriend who broke his heart, after he left his wife for gambling away their money, after he was kicked out of the military for abusing alcohol, Aaron Alvin Sr. lived in Memphis, homeless and addicted to drugs. He was sure he was going to die.

"I’ve been given a second chance, and now this is my time to help others find their second chance," said Aaron Alvin Sr., who will graduate with a Master of Social Work Dec. 13.

Alvin decided to make his way to Miami and into the streets of Liberty City and Overtown, where he was born and raised, so that if he died, under a bridge or in a makeshift tent, at least someone could recognize him.

Alvin, 50, will be among the more than 3,700 students receiving their degrees this fall in one of six commencement ceremonies to take place on Monday, Dec. 12 and Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the U.S. Century Bank Arena.

“It took me a decade of hard work to get to where I am today,” Alvin said. “I had gotten lost. I did everything wrong in my life that I could possibly do. I’ve been given a second chance, and now this is my time to help others find their second chance.”

In Miami, Alvin was arrested several times for drug possession, grand theft auto, and domestic violence. Until one day, a judge had enough of seeing Alvin’s criminal record grow longer and forced him into a drug treatment program. That’s when everything changed.

Alvin will graduate with a Master of Social Work—and an impressive 3.73 grade point average—during the 7:30 p.m. ceremony on Dec. 13.

Now working directly with the homeless at Camillus House, Alvin hopes his master’s degree, coupled with a bachelor’s degree from FIU in the same field, will give him the opportunity to help more people find their way.

“Aaron’s story is a reminder to all of us of how powerful and life-changing education can be,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “With commitment and courage, Aaron turned his life around and is now inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. I am proud of Aaron, and all of our Worlds Ahead graduates, who went after their dreams despite adversity.”

Other Worlds Ahead graduates whose accomplishments will be recognized during the six ceremonies can be found by clicking here.

The full commencement schedule is as follows:

Monday, Dec. 12

Ceremony 1: 10 a.m

College of Education
College of Engineering and Computing

Ceremony 2: 3:00 p.m.

College of Arts and Sciences

Ceremony 3: 7:30 p.m.

College of Arts and Sciences