Rehan Staton once worked as a refuse collector, yet he recently celebrated an extraordinary achievement—graduating from Harvard Law School.

His journey is a remarkable example of perseverance and the rewards of hard work.

During a memorable ceremony at Harvard’s Massachusetts campus, Staton proudly received his Juris Doctorate, surrounded by a supportive audience.

Staton’s success story is one of sheer determination. Raised in a modest household, both he and his brother were supported by their hardworking father, who juggled multiple jobs. Their living conditions were challenging, with limited access to food and intermittent electricity. The house was plagued with issues like black mold in the basement, holes in the ceilings, and incomplete flooring in some areas.

From a young age, Staton dreamed of becoming a professional boxer or excelling in taekwondo, hoping these pursuits would lift his family out of poverty. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury dashed those dreams, redirecting his focus from finishing high school to finding work. This way, he could support his father, who had suffered a stroke. Both Staton and his brother had to pause their education during this difficult time.

Staton’s journey to becoming a sanitation worker at Bates Trucking and Trash Removal in Maryland happened by chance. While it wasn’t the ideal job, it allowed him to provide for his family. Surprisingly, his experience working with trash bins illuminated new prospects for his future. A group of coworkers, some with past incarcerations, encouraged him to pursue higher education and avoid making the same mistakes they had.

With his coworkers’ encouragement, Staton first enrolled at Bowie State University before transferring to the University of Maryland. His hard work paid off in 2018 when he completed his undergraduate degree successfully. Within a year, a stellar LSAT score led him to apply to Harvard Law School.

Gaining admission to Harvard was no easy feat, but Staton was determined. To his surprise and delight, he was accepted, and the video of his acceptance went viral, capturing widespread attention. Generous support came from prominent actor Tyler Perry, who offered to cover his educational expenses, and over $200,000 was raised through GoFundMe contributions.

While Staton values hard work, he also expresses deep gratitude for the support he received. The belief that others had in him—like his cousin who helped him prepare for the LSAT, a kind-hearted employer who allowed time off for study, and colleagues who supported his educational pursuits—all fueled his journey. This spirit of community inspired him to create the Reciprocity Effect, intending to foster unity at Harvard by enhancing communication between faculty and students.

Even after realizing his childhood dream of graduating from Harvard Law School, Staton remains connected to his initial goals. He aspires to manage a professional sports team by combining his legal acumen with his love for the arts. Staton emphasizes his commitment to staying true to himself and his roots, despite the allure of holding a prestigious law degree.

Rehan Staton’s incredible journey from refuse collector to Harvard Law School graduate stands as a powerful testament to resilience, encouragement, and the importance of community. His story inspires us to overcome obstacles, chase our dreams, and remember where we came from.