July 2020 – For more than five years, a teenager from Columbus, Ohio, made regular after-school trips to the Franklinton Branch of the city’s Metropolitan Library. It was a three-mile round-trip walk for Lashawn Samuel. But he was determined to go there for help with his homework, even though he often walked home alone in the dark.
During those five years, Samuel also persisted through food insecurity and illness. He even lost a friend to gang violence, but he never gave up.
“This kid has tremendous perseverance, and he just keeps going,” said library associate Kelly Young.
Samuel’s determination paid off this spring when he was accepted to 12 colleges and universities. He was offered numerous scholarships including one to Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, where he plans to attend. Samuel credits his achievements to God, loved ones, and a supportive environment.
