I love to read stories about people who overcome adversities. They inspire me. Below are snippets and a URL about one such man. I believe you’ll find his story remarkable and inspiring too.
NEW YORK (AP) — For years, Gac Filipaj mopped floors, cleaned toilets and took out trash at Columbia University.
A refugee from war-torn Yugoslavia, he eked out a living working for the Ivy League school. But Sunday was payback time: The 52-year-old janitor donned a cap and gown to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in classics.
As a Columbia employee, he didn’t have to pay for the classes he took. His favorite subject was the Roman philosopher and statesman Seneca, the janitor said during a break from his work at Lerner Hall, the student union building he cleans.
“I love Seneca’s letters because they’re written in the spirit in which I was educated in my family — not to look for fame and fortune, but to have a simple, honest, honorable life,” he said.
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“He is immensely humble and grateful, but he’s one individual who makes his own future.”
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For Filipaj, the degree comes after years of studying late into the night in his Bronx apartment, where he’d open his books after a 2:30-11 p.m. shift as a “heavy cleaner” — his job title. Before exam time or to finish a paper, he’d pull all-nighters, then go to class in the morning and then to work.
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During an interview with The Associated Press in a Lerner Hall conference room, Filipaj didn’t show the slightest regret or bitterness about his tough life. Instead, he cheerfully described encounters with surprised younger students who wonder why their classmate is cleaning up after them.
“They say, ‘Aren’t you…?'” he said with a grin.
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He’s not interested in furthering his studies to make more money.
“The richness is in me, in my heart and in my head, not in my pockets,” said Filipaj, who is now an American citizen.
Soon after, the feisty, 5-foot-4 janitor picked up a broom and dustpan and went back to work.
http://news.yahoo.com/ivy-league-school-janitor-graduates-honors-182936684.html
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
Beautiful story about a wonderful man. If only more people thought and acted similarly. Our self-centered way of life leaves so much to be desired. People like Filipaj see through it all to the true meaning of a purposeful life. Good for him!
I agree. I was also impressed when he kept referring to “us” when he discussed our blindness, biases, etc. He didn’t exclude himself and make it “us” versus “them”. There is much wisdom in that young man. I hope he gets to keep spreading the word in his unique way.