Sometimes, we are truly inspired by the good in other people. And you don't have to be an adult to have a profound impact. There are lots of kids out there doing incredible things every day that deserve a few minutes in the spotlight. One such 14-year-old in St. Louis was determined to attend his eighth-grade graduation ceremony. Xavier Jones worked hard in middle school and wanted to walk across that stage.
Xavier got to his graduation, but not how most kids do. He wasn't in a car, bus, or subway train. Xavier walked more than 6 miles to the ceremony. This kid has determination and grit that, quite frankly, plenty of adults in this world are missing. He is an inspiration — reading his story might even bring a tear or two to your eyes. Don't say we didn't warn you.
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The walk took him more than two hours.
Xavier didn't intend to walk to the graduation ceremony, but he didn't have much choice.
"I was going to tell an adult but my grandpa's car was down. So I was just going to walk there," he told KMOV.
The student at Yeatman Middle School did what many kids do today. He consulted his good friend, Google. "I looked up Harris Stowe University on Google Maps and then I saw the walking distance and then I said I could probably make it," he told the outlet.
He grabbed a couple of buddies, and off they went.
Xavier didn't tell his grandpa or anyone at school that he would walk to the ceremony. Instead, he grabbed his brother and a friend, and together the trio walked 6 miles to Harris-Stowe State University in midtown St. Louis.
The city is hot this time of year, but he said that grabbing a drink of water along the way kept the kids motivated and moving. "I wanted to walk across the stage," the determined graduate said.
Xavier's mentor, Darren Seals, told KSDK that the walk was challenging for his young friend.
"The shoes that he walked in had holes in the bottom, holes in the top," Seals said. "Two-and-a-half-hours walk. A long road, I wouldn't have walked it."
Seals works with youth at the Sankofa Community Center, where he tries to encourage kids to make a difference. "Change the norm, that's what I tell the kids. Change the norm. No matter if you live a nightmare, never give up," he told KSDK.
When the university caught wind of Xavier's incredible accomplishment, they congratulated him in a big way.
He may have walked to his eighth-grade graduation, but Harris-Stowe State University offered to give him a lift in the future. University President Dr. Latonia Collins Smith presented Xavier with a full ride presidential scholarship to the university, covering his tuition, books, and fees. We told you, tears, right?
"Many of our students come with a story and many of our students come with environmental barriers they have overcome or that they are currently overcoming," Collins Smith told KMOV.
She remarked that Xavier is someone special, and he has a bright future ahead. "I just led with my heart and I followed my heart and my heart said this is a kid that needs a scholarship," she said.
Xavier knows what he wants and he is determined to get it.
Xavier is dedicated to doing big things with his life. He plans to attend college, and after completing his education, he wants to become a NASCAR driver. The school gave him a personal campus tour on Wednesday, and he is pumped about attending in a few years.
"It means that I'm going to do something great and that I finally made it out of the eighth grade," he said "There's a lot of fun stuff you can do at this campus."
Xavier is a remarkable kid from whom we could all learn a thing or two. Collins Smith agrees. "At the end of the rainbow, there's a pot of gold. I learned a lot from Xavier that day," Collins Smith told KMOV. "Even on your worst day, keep pressing forward."
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People love Xavier.
Just put Xavier Jones into your search bar, and you'll see folks sharing his story like crazy. Fans filled the comments section on KMOV's Facebook post commending Xavier on his passion and perseverance and for working toward a goal that was important to him.
"This young man is amazing!" one commenter wrote. "This mattered so much to him that nothing could stop him. May he continue to follow his dreams with this same determination and drive. God bless you young man. You are quite special. And so are your brother and friend! I love this story."
"This kid will literally go somewhere in life!" another person wrote. "Determined and driven. Not meaning to play on words but he is someone to be proud of."
Someone else wrote: "Young Man you are an inspiration for all who heard your story.
Congratulations on your graduation and continued determination in the coming years, I know we will hear amazing things about you in the future."
We agree, Xavier. You are an incredible young man who is obviously working his tail off to make a wonderful life for himself. We know you will do great things. Just be safe when you're driving that race car and wear a helmet. Sorry, we can't help it. We're moms!
