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Elizabeth Murray

by Soseh B. from Glendale, California

" Life is what you make it to be"

Has anyone ever thought that a homeless person has the same potential as an average human being? I didn't either, but the story of Elizabeth Murray had a big impact on me. Who could have ever thought that anyone can go from homeless to Harvard. Her life experience was very unforgettable. That's why she is my inspiration, my role model, my HERO.

Elizabeth Murray lived with her family and older sister Lisa in an old, dirty tenement. She was a typical girl, smart and caring. Her parents had a horrible addiction to cocaine. They would inject used needles in each other. Liz's parent were soon too ill to take care of Liz and her sister Lisa. So to help her family, Liz would work by bagging groceries at a local supermarket. She earned some food to keep the family breathing, which was a loaf of bread and a carton of milk. Every penny her parents earned would go to cocaine. It was so horrifying that her mom had sold Elizabeth's winter jacket for cocaine. Liz was stuck in a cold, dark world. But that didn't stop her.

Liz and her sister were always picked on because they smelled and couldn't afford to buy any new clothes. Liz would spent hours cleaning after her addicted parents. Elizabeth was just 16 when she ran away from home. She spent nights sleeping on park benches, trains, and deserted hallways. She soon received the news from her sister that her mother was in the hospital and was getting weaker and weaker by the minute due to HIV. Meanwhile, her family had lost their only home. Her father was living in a homeless shelter. Her mother had just passed away. She and her sister were both living together. At the age of 17 Liz applied for Harvard. She didn't make it the first time, but that didn't stop her until she received a letter from Harvard having said that she was welcome to Harvard Law School. I can relate myself to Liz in copious ways; she is a risk taker, cares for her family and never gives up to achieve her goals, just like me. If Liz did it so can anyone else because everyone has the same potential.

Elizabeth Murray has now graduated from Harvard and is now living with her sister Lisa. The government provides her and her sister a cozy apartment, money and food. Liz is a good role model for all teenage girls. Liz teaches to never give up and is never too late to do anything. If Liz did it, so can anyone else. Everyone has the same potential.

Page created on 1/20/2009 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 1/20/2009 12:00:00 AM

The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.

Related Links

Liz Murray - Washington Speakers
Liz Murray - MY HERO story by Kathy Crockett