From janitor to Ivy-League graduate

He’s a 52-year-old refugee who emigrated from a war-torn former Yugoslavia to work as a janitor at one of America’s premiere universities.

It took Gac Filipaj seven years to learn English and gain acceptance into Columbia University, where he received free tuition because he’s an employee. He took classes in the morning, then worked 2:30-to-11 p.m as a “heavy cleaner,” and when he got home after midnight he would hit the books.

After 12-years of study, he received a bachelor’s in classics and he graduated with honors. (via)

Congratulations, Gac!

One thought on “From janitor to Ivy-League graduate

  1. une belle leçon pour nos étudiants québécois qui veulent tout cuit dans le bec!

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