In the movie, "Homeless to Harvard" a young girl, Liz Murray imparts to us the true value of perseverance and education. Liz was deprived of basic needs and a decent upbringing due to drug-addicted and irresponsible parents. Her early years reflected a sad predicament where she became painfully aware of the high toll drug addiction took in eroding her family and its compulsive lifestyle. However, in spite of all of her adversities she still managed to get admitted into prestigious Harvard University.
By the age of 10 Liz had no formal schooling, and had no commitment to acquire the same. Because of her parent's abject dependence on drug addition and their inability to care for her, state run welfare programs took over her care. Later she found out that her mother had contracted HIV and was dying. She lost her mother to HIV aids, she was heart broken but found strength inside her to continue on with the pursue of knowledge
After her mother’s death due to AIDS, and her father moving to a homeless shelter, she became homeless at age 15. From there she went on to sleeping on the streets, in stairwells on marble floors, and in subways, which she rode for warmth. For food she begged and ate from garbage cans. Later she got a job washing dishes in a restaurant.
At the age of 17 she went back to school, finishing four years of high school in two, while still homeless, often studying and completing her assignments in subway stations. After completing her education, she won the New York Times scholarship which granted her entry into Harvard University.
Her story is of perseverance, determination, and teaches the true value of education and it is based on a true story.It is a must watch for any student.
Here is a trailer of the movie
For more information about the real Liz Murray, here is a link to the Daily Mail Article entitled "From homelessness to Harvard: How the daughter of drug addicts turned her life around "