- Aug 16, 2011
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Political wrangling aside, stories like the one of this young man have to inspire.
"Maring, now 20, came to the United States with his brother as a refugee from the war-torn nation, where ongoing conflict has killed more than 10,000 people, including most members of his family. "
"
He immersed himself in his studies and worked an after-school job to help support himself. But benefits from a program for refugees dried up, and James was forced with the option of either working full-time or losing his housing.
"I'm not going to be homeless," he said. "If I have to take GED classes, I'll take them. This is life, American life. Welcome home, baby."
Now, at the age of 20, Maring has found a home at a Somerville shelter, taking two buses and a train to get to school each day. Time well spent, as staffers detail his work ethic and 4.31 GPA."
""He does not take education for granted. A lot of students who are born here and who come through the education system can forget how powerful it is,""
A Plus Chelsea High s James Maring A Plus - WCVB Home
"Maring, now 20, came to the United States with his brother as a refugee from the war-torn nation, where ongoing conflict has killed more than 10,000 people, including most members of his family. "
"
He immersed himself in his studies and worked an after-school job to help support himself. But benefits from a program for refugees dried up, and James was forced with the option of either working full-time or losing his housing.
"I'm not going to be homeless," he said. "If I have to take GED classes, I'll take them. This is life, American life. Welcome home, baby."
Now, at the age of 20, Maring has found a home at a Somerville shelter, taking two buses and a train to get to school each day. Time well spent, as staffers detail his work ethic and 4.31 GPA."
""He does not take education for granted. A lot of students who are born here and who come through the education system can forget how powerful it is,""
A Plus Chelsea High s James Maring A Plus - WCVB Home
