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.
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.
Ceremony 3: 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 13
Ceremony 4: 10 a.m.
College of Business Administration
Ceremony 5: 3 p.m.
College of Architecture + The Arts
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
College of Business Administration
Ceremony 6: 7:30 p.m.
Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
For more details about fall commencement, visit http://commencement.fiu.edu/.
From homeless to cum laude: A graduate’s journey : http://t.co/PSnlFo7A
This is a wonderful story. Congratulations and best of luck to Mr. Alvin.
congratulations Alvin and I hope that your help and story will make others that are currently struggling to find their path realize they are worthy of a better life and that it is possible to change. It wasn’t the education it was YOU who made this possible. Thank you for sharing!
Very inspirational story!!!
Alvin. You inspire me! Keep up the good work.
Very inspirational http://t.co/V1JAJXQ7
+HR+ From being homeless to obtaining a master’s degree: http://t.co/ks7gpdEo
Thank you Alvin for self disclosing your past. “WE” do recover!! I am also graduating on Dec. 13 with my Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work and will be starting the Master’s program in January 2012. Thank GOD for the process! You have given me the hope that I to can do allllll things, through CHRIST who strengthens me!! “WE” will be that tangible proof that recover is possible! Congradualtions!!!!!!!
Mr.Alvin’s testimony goes to show you that we all have God’s potential it’s just the trusting in ones self and seeking the right route to bring it into existence.
Wow!!! Alvin your life story should be a lesson to all whom enter your life. You have truly inspired me. I want you to know that God is awesome and your life story should be a testimony to anyone you meet. This goes to show how God can challenge all obstacles. Glad to say I know you. Please keep in touch!! Ingrid 🙂
This story should be shared with all incoming freshmen to show them how lucky they are to be in the position their in, and what an opportunity they have ahead of them.